TSAMTO, September 25. India is exploring the possibility of purchasing at least two squadrons of Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets, and will also consider a Russian proposal for their licensed production.
As The Print has learned, if the proposal is accepted, the state-owned company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will merge with the Russian UAC and produce aircraft in India simultaneously with the ongoing development of its own promising AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) aircraft, which is scheduled to enter service in 2035.
According to the source of the publication, if a positive decision is made, the first two Su-57 squadrons will be delivered from Russia in ready-made form, and another 3-5 squadrons can be produced in India by HAL at its Nasik plant. HAL has already established a working relationship with UAC, which will greatly simplify the process.
The source also added that these plans are at a preliminary stage and are not related to the MRFA program being implemented by the Indian Air Force, which recommends the purchase of Rafale fighters by the French company Dassault Aviation.
"The only two friendly countries with fifth-generation aircraft are the United States and Russia. The United States will not offer the F-35 under the "Made in India" program. In turn, Russia has made such an offer," the source explained.
Earlier this month, the Indian edition of ANI news, citing a source in the Indian Ministry of Defense, reported that Moscow and New Delhi were already assessing the amount of necessary investments to organize the production of the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter in India.
Indian HAL has been producing Su-30MKI fighters under license at its Nasik plant for a long time. If necessary, the facility can be used for the production of new Su-57s. The responsible Russian structures are currently conducting a study to determine the required amount of investment in the project.
A source in the Indian defense ministry added that India also has other enterprises that produce components for the Su-30MKI, which can be used in the production of Su-57 fighters, if necessary. This factor can reduce costs.
The Ministry of Defense also recalled that India participated in the Su-57 fighter development project when it was designated FGFA, but at the end of April 2018, it officially withdrew from the project due to some problems. Thus, at present, the possibility of reviving the "old" joint project at a new level cannot be ruled out, given the global situation.
The Print edition in this regard recalls an interesting detail: despite the fact that the government-appointed committee insisted on concluding a deal on FGFA, India withdrew from the program on the recommendation of the country's Air Force. "India's withdrawal from the FGFA program in 2018 was due to a combination of strategic and practical considerations," the source explained to The Print.
India is currently working on developing its own fifth-generation fighter project under the designation AMCA. The project roadmap provides for the production of five prototypes by 2027, the first flight tests in 2028, certification by 2032 and mass production by 2035.
