India has two options with regards to purchasing a next-gen fighter aircraft– the Sukhoi Su-57E fighter jet from Russia, or the US-made F-35A.
India is rapidly seeking to acquire a 5th-generation stealth fighter jet, especially since Pakistan has already announced that it’s air force will receive a fleet of 5th-gen J-35 fighters from China. While Pakistan is restricted to most of its arms imports from China, India has two options with regards to purchasing a next-gen fighter aircraft– the Sukhoi Su-57E from Russia, or the US-made F-35A.
India, Russia talks underway on possible Su-57E deal?
Though no official announcement has been made, a report has claimed that talks are underway between India and Russia regarding the purchase of Su-57E stealth fighter jet. The report by the Defense Security Asia website, which has created a stir among defense analysts and strategic circles, stated that India wants indigenous integration and technology as part of the Su-57 deal with Russia, which will enable the country to indigenously manufacture 5th-gen fighters in the coming future.
India wants indigenous radar in Su-57E
As per the report, India wants Russia to replace several main systems, especially the radar, of the Su-57E with Indian-made parts. But India’s demand has created concern and dissatisfaction in Russian defense department.
India claims that the Russian N036 “Byelka” AESA radar used in the Su-57E, does not meet the requirements of a 5th-generation stealth aircraft, as its not jamming-proofs, and faces issues in areas like long-range detection and energy saving. India wants Byelka AESA radar on the Su-57E to be replaced with its indigenously-developed Uttam and Virupaksha AESA radars, which are Gallium Nitride (GaN) based, while their Russian counterpart used the older gallium arsenide (GaAs) technology.
According to Indian experts, Indian-made radars provide better heat control, accurate signal capture capability and high jamming resistance, which is extremely important in modern warfare.
F-35A or Su-57, which 5th-gen fighter will India buy?
Earlier this year, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, US President Donald Trump had offered to sell the 5th-generation F-35 stealth fighter jet to India.
Shortly after the announcement, news broke that Russia, New Delhi’s trusted defence partner and top weapons supplier, has offered an even more enticing deal on the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet, offering to sell the 5th-gen fighter to India as well as an assured transfer of technology, something which the US is unwilling to do.
