Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. During his visit, India and Russia are expected to discuss major proposals aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.
One of the key proposals could involve upgrading more than 100 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets with Russian technical assistance. The proposed upgrade may focus on enhancing the aircraft’s engines, electronic systems and weapons capabilities, potentially improving their overall performance and strike capability.
India is already undertaking a major upgrade programme under which 84 Sukhoi-30MKI fighters are being converted into the advanced ‘Super Sukhoi’ configuration at an estimated cost of ₹63,000 crore. A separate agreement between India and Russia could cover the additional upgrade programme.
Russian team visits HAL’s Nashik unit
According to defence sources, a team of Russian experts has already visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Nashik facility to discuss the proposed Sukhoi-30MKI upgrade.
The Sukhoi-30MKI fleet has been a key component of the Indian Air Force and played an important role during Operation Sindoor. The proposed cooperation is expected to focus on improving the aircraft’s engine capacity, avionics, electronic warfare systems and weapons integration.
Russia may offer Su-57 Stealth fighter
Russia could also offer India its fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter during the upcoming discussions. Moscow may additionally propose joint production of the aircraft in India along with technology transfer.
The proposal could become significant for India as it works to develop its own fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
India had quit Fifth-Generation fighter project in 2018
India and Russia had earlier collaborated on a fifth-generation fighter programme. The two countries began work on the project in 2007, but India subsequently withdrew from the programme in 2018.
Russia is now offering the Su-57 as another potential option for India to acquire a fifth-generation fighter capability.
Why the Su-57 offer matters
India is developing its indigenous fifth-generation fighter, but the aircraft is expected to take several years to enter service. The capability gap has increased the importance of interim options for maintaining technological and operational parity with regional competitors.
China has already developed operational stealth fighters, while Pakistan has also been moving towards acquiring advanced fifth-generation aircraft. Against this backdrop, acquiring or jointly producing a fifth-generation fighter could provide India with an additional capability while its indigenous programme progresses.
The proposed Sukhoi-30MKI upgrades and possible Su-57 offer could therefore become important components of the defence agenda during Putin’s India visit.
