Kolkata: According to defence sources contacted by the TV9 network, high-level discussions between India and Russia on an important defence proposal are in full swing. Russia has proposed joint manufacturing and 100 per cent technology transfer of its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57E to India.
The offer comes at a time when the US is also offering its advanced stealth jet F-35A Lightning II to India. The Russian proposal is not limited to the sale of the aircraft but also pertains to building the Su-57E in India, jointly developing stealth technology and avionics. Along with this, the existing capacity of HAL in the plant located in Nashik can be used to produce the Su-57E like the Su-30MKI. This will not only reduce costs but also accelerate India’s self-reliance in defence.
What are the capabilities of the Sukhoi Su-57E?
The Sukhoi Su-57E includes capabilities like supersonic speed, thrust vectoring engines, internal weapon bays and sophisticated low-observability, which make it highly lethal in modern air warfare. It is worth noting that almost 70 per cent of the Indian Air Force is equipped with Russian aircraft (Su-30MKI, MiG-29, MiG-21), so this cooperation seems to be logical from a technical point of view.
America’s F-35A, on the other hand, is known for its sensor fusion, stealth and AI-based combat systems. It is part of the world’s largest fifth-generation fleet and is in service with many allies, including NATO. But its technology is completely under US control and there won’t be technology transfer, or manufacturing opportunity in India. It costs around $80 million per unit and requires the Indian Air Force to adopt new logistics and training systems to operate it.
Identification of F-35B at Trivandrum
Amidst all this, India’s IACCS (Integrated Air Command and Control System) shocked the world by successfully detecting and tracking an F-35B stealth fighter of the British Royal Navy in Trivandrum airspace. The aircraft had entered Indian airspace for an emergency landing due to a technical fault.
The aircraft, which the US and UK describe as “Invisible/Stealth”, was not only captured by India’s advanced radar system but Sukhoi fighter jets were also sent to monitor it. This is the same IACCS system that recently thwarted Pakistan’s air intrusion during Operation Sindoor.
The F-35’s stealth design hides the weapons inside, masking the engines and turbines so radar can’t pick them up. But India’s radar technology exposed it, which is the prowess of India’s air defence capabilities. The eyes of the world are on India now. This decision will determine whether India will become a “defence superpower” or remain a mere strategic client of global powers.
