Russia’s fifth generation Su-57E fighter jet takes off, on the second day of the AERO INDIA 2025 – Airshow at IAF Yelahanka Airforce Station, in Bengaluru on February 11, 2025.
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
Rosoboronexport, Russia’s State-owned defence exports company, a participant in the ongoing Aero India 2025, has offered to partner with India on the Russian fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), the Su-57E.
”Rosoboronexport, together with United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), proposes to localise FGFA aircraft in India. This production of the FGFA at the HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) plant might take place as early as 2025. It can be provided this year itself,” a representative of Rosoboronexport said on the second day of the airshow.
UAC is the manufacturer of the aircraft.
The representative further said that fifth generation technologies would be provided to India. “Additionally, Rosoboronexport offers technological development in terms of fifth generation technologies comprising engine, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, optics, AI elements, software communication means, and air weapons that might also boost the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) national programme of India,” the representative said.
He added that India can manufacture these critical technologies without any fear of sanctions.
“Manufacturing FGFA means manufacturing critical, crucial elements in India without a fear that tomorrow, something would not be delivered because of sanctions. There shall be no fears in terms of potential threat of sanctions or a decision from above that some parts or components of the aircraft won’t be delivered to India,” the representative said.
He also said that Russia offered long-term cooperation to India, including partnership in the upgradation of the aircraft’s capabilities.
“The Russian side proposes to continue 60 years of successful cooperation in terms of aircraft production between our countries,” he said.
Joint development
India and Russia in 2010 signed a deal for the design and joint development of the FGFA programme by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, Rosoboronexport, and HAL. Both India and Russia each invested $295 million for the preliminary design of the aircraft. However, India withdrew from the project in 2018 due to multiple issues, including transfer of technology.
Test pilot Sergey Bogdan spoke of how he had been preparing for the airshow, and the complex manoeuvres he had been performing. “I find myself interested in all the aircraft that have been displayed here; a great number of different aircraft are being displayed here. I might come here again,” Mr. Bogdan said.
Published – February 11, 2025 10:35 pm IST