India-Russia Defence Deal: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival in New Delhi on Friday has brought several major defence proposals into focus, including the joint production of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet in India and a massive upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet.
The proposed Super Sukhoi programme, estimated to cost more than $11 billion, is aimed at significantly modernising India’s Su-30MKI fighter fleet.
During his talks with Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the two sides discussed several areas, including trade, infrastructure and technology, along with defence cooperation. Officials said Russia is also expected to push proposals involving the S-400 air-defence system, Pantsir-S1M point-defence system, advanced radars and strategic submarines.
What Is Russia Offering for the S-400?
Russia is reportedly encouraging India to consider its more advanced S-500 air-defence system. The S-500 is designed to engage targets at ranges of up to around 600 km, compared with the reported 400-km range associated with the S-400 system.
Moscow has also offered to establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for India’s S-400 systems, potentially in partnership with an Indian company. Such a facility could help India reduce dependence on overseas maintenance and strengthen local defence support capabilities.
Su-57 Joint Production Proposal
The fifth-generation fighter requirement is another major area of discussion between India and Russia. Russia has proposed the joint production of Su-57 fighter jets in India, potentially giving New Delhi an opportunity to strengthen its indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
Russian state media outlet Sputnik has highlighted the Su-57 as a fifth-generation stealth fighter and argued that its technology could make it a natural option for India as the country looks to expand its advanced combat-aircraft capabilities.
$11 Billion Super Sukhoi Upgrade
India is also discussing a major modernisation programme for its approximately 260 Su-30MKI fighter jets. The initial phase is expected to involve 84 aircraft.
The Super Sukhoi programme, estimated at more than $11 billion, would give the aircraft several major upgrades. These are expected to include a new AESA radar, modern avionics, improved electronic-warfare capabilities and upgraded engines.
The programme would significantly enhance the Su-30MKI’s ability to detect and track targets, operate in contested environments and carry out modern air-combat missions.
With the Su-30MKI forming a major part of the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet, the upgrade is expected to be an important element of India’s broader effort to strengthen its air-power capabilities.
India-Russia Defence Cooperation
The latest proposals underline the continued importance of defence cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow. Along with fighter aircraft and air-defence systems, discussions around radars, submarines and local maintenance facilities indicate that both countries are looking at a broader and more technologically advanced defence partnership.
