[🇮🇳] India Eyes Customized Two-Seat Variant of Russia’s Su-57 Stealth Fighter for Local Production: Russian Media

[Krishna with Flute]

Date of Event: Dec 19, 2024

Source: https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/India-Eyes-Customized-Two-Seat-Variant-of-Russias-Su-57-Stealth-Fighter-for-Local-Production-Russian-Media/

India Eyes Customized Two-Seat Variant of Russia’s Su-57 Stealth Fighter for Local Production: Russian Media​

India Defense

India's ambition to strengthen its airpower capabilities appears to have taken a significant stride, with Russian media reporting that India is evaluating the potential acquisition of a customized two-seat variant of the Su-57 Felon, Russia’s premier fifth-generation stealth fighter. If materialized, this move would not only enhance India's combat readiness but also signify a deeper Indo-Russian defense partnership.

The Su-57, designed to rival the world's most advanced stealth fighters like the American F-35, is lauded for its superior maneuverability, powerful armament, and advanced stealth technology. What sets this potential deal apart is India’s specific interest in a two-seat configuration—a feature unprecedented in fifth-generation fighter jets.

The Two-Seat Innovation: A Game Changer​

The two-seat variant, tailored for Indian requirements, could revolutionize the operational capabilities of stealth fighters. The second cockpit would likely host a weapons systems officer or a trainer, offering advantages in several key areas:

• Enhanced Mission Complexity: The second operator can manage electronic warfare, reconnaissance, or complex long-range strike missions, freeing the pilot to focus solely on navigation and combat maneuvers.
• Improved Training Efficiency: Trainees could directly experience real-time combat scenarios, making the learning curve for advanced fighter operations significantly steeper.
• Flexible Multirole Capabilities: Dual-operator systems could optimize performance in coordinated operations, especially in environments requiring split-second decision-making.

Specifications of the Su-57​

The Su-57 boasts state-of-the-art features designed for modern warfare, including:

• Stealth Technology: Incorporates composite materials and radar-absorbing coatings to reduce its radar cross-section.
• Supermaneuverability: Powered by advanced Saturn AL-41F1 engines, with future models expected to feature the more powerful Izdeliye 30 engines, enabling high agility in dogfights.
• Advanced Avionics: Equipped with N036 Byelka radar, which provides enhanced situational awareness and target detection capabilities.
• Multirole Armament: Capable of carrying advanced air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, and hypersonic weapons in internal bays to maintain stealth.

Aligning with India’s Strategic Vision​

India’s interest in the Su-57 aligns with its overarching goal of modernizing its military infrastructure and achieving strategic autonomy. Recent acquisitions such as the S-400 missile defense system underscore India's willingness to diversify its defense imports. Integrating the Su-57 could complement existing platforms like the Rafale and bolster India’s aerial dominance in the region.

The Su-57’s two-seat variant would not only address India’s immediate tactical needs but also offer a pathway for enhanced technological cooperation with Russia. The "Make in India" initiative could pave the way for localized production, reducing dependency on imports and potentially facilitating the transfer of critical stealth and avionics technologies.

Challenges and Considerations​

While the prospect is promising, several hurdles remain. The cost of developing a customized two-seat variant and ensuring technology transfer could be substantial. Moreover, integrating such an advanced platform into India’s Air Force may pose logistical and operational challenges. Another critical aspect is balancing this acquisition with indigenous projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which remains a cornerstone of India’s fifth-generation ambitions.

A Strategic Leap Forward​

The potential acquisition of a two-seat Su-57 variant signifies a bold step in India's quest for cutting-edge airpower capabilities. Whether this deal comes to fruition will depend on the outcome of bilateral negotiations, financial considerations, and alignment with India’s long-term defense goals.

If realized, the deal could set a global precedent, marking the first operational two-seat stealth fighter while cementing India’s position as a dominant player in the realm of advanced military aviation.

 

[India>Bengal]

Interesting. Let's see what happens.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Russia has renewed its offer for Su 57 fighters which India had rejected in Second half of previous decade. Now Russia has said that Jet has improved a lot sinnce then. They have made 2 seat variant. AL51 engine's performance has improved compared to what it was in 2-3 years back. Moreover, India has planned so many things for Super sukhoi program such as advance AESA, mission computer, display system, sensor fusion stuff other EW stuff which can go into Su57. More over Su 57 is tested with 2D TVC to reduce IR signature to make it less detectable by IR pod. India's Astra 1, Astra II and Astra III may go into Su57. India has integrated Brahmos with MKI which may go into Su 57 (not when they are planned to be used in stealth Mode). Overall, it seems a far better aircraft than what it was in previous decade. Rather than going for costly western fighters, it is batter to go for Russian one which may come with lots of technology transfer. India can make Super Su57 out of Su 57 by incorporating lots of Desi stuff. It is better to get a 5th generation fighter at a cost of 4.5 generation western fighter.

 

[Saif]

Russia has renewed its offer for Su 57 fighters which India had rejected in Second half of previous decade. Now Russia has said that Jet has improved a lot sinnce then. They have made 2 seat variant. AL51 engine's performance has improved compared to what it was in 2-3 years back. Moreover, India has planned so many things for Super sukhoi program such as advance AESA, mission computer, display system, sensor fusion stuff other EW stuff which can go into Su57. More over Su 57 is tested with 2D TVC to reduce IR signature to make it less detectable by IR pod. India's Astra 1, Astra II and Astra III may go into Su57. India has integrated Brahmos with MKI which may go into Su 57 (not when they are planned to be used in stealth Mode). Overall, it seems a far better aircraft than what it was in previous decade. Rather than going for costly western fighters, it is batter to go for Russian one which may come with lots of technology transfer. India can make Super Su57 out of Su 57 by incorporating lots of Desi stuff. It is better to get a 5th generation fighter at a cost of 4.5 generation western fighter.

I thought India had its own fifth generation jet fighter project. Is India contemplating discarding its own fifth generation jet fighter project?

 

[Bilal9]

I thought India had its own fifth generation jet fighter project. Is India contemplating discarding its own fifth generation jet fighter project?

They may keep both. I don't think there has been a fair bit of progress on the AMCA front anyways...

 

[Krishna with Flute]

I thought India had its own fifth generation jet fighter project. Is India contemplating discarding its own fifth generation jet fighter project?

No, It is at least a decade away. India is running short of Squadrons. In MMRCA deal, only 2 squadrons were purchased instead of 7. Now India is considering acquiring remaining fighters by replenishing the depleting fleet with Tejas MK1 A, MWF, MMRCA till AMCA Arrives. India was considering Medium weight fighters but China is building fifth generation fleet fast. So there is a consideration in strategic community to go for Su 57 instead of Rafale. It is debatable which fighter is better. Whether it is Rafale of SU-57. Su 57 is so called fifth generation fighter but inferior to F22 in capabilities but far superior to Chinese J20 in capabilities. Let us see how the things shape in future.

 

[Jiangnan]

No, It is at least a decade away. India is running short of Squadrons. In MMRCA deal, only 2 squadrons were purchased instead of 7. Now India is considering acquiring remaining fighters by replenishing the depleting fleet with Tejas MK1 A, MWF, MMRCA till AMCA Arrives. India was considering Medium weight fighters but China is building fifth generation fleet fast. So there is a consideration in strategic community to go for AMCA instead of Rafale. It is debatable which fighter is better. Either Rafale of SU-57. Su 57 is so called fifth generation fighter but inferior to F20 in capabilities but far superior to Chinese J20 in capabilities. Let us see how the things shape in future.

No, It is at least a decade away. India is running short of Squadrons. In MMRCA deal, only 2 squadrons were purchased instead of 7. Now India is considering acquiring remaining fighters by replenishing the depleting fleet with Tejas MK1 A, MWF, MMRCA till AMCA Arrives. India was considering Medium weight fighters but China is building fifth generation fleet fast. So there is a consideration in strategic community to go for AMCA instead of Rafale. It is debatable which fighter is better. Either Rafale of SU-57. Su 57 is so called fifth generation fighter but inferior to F20 in capabilities but far superior to Chinese J20 in capabilities. Let us see how the things shape in future.

What is F-20?

Come on. Say it out loud again: Su-57 has better capabilities than J-20.

 

[Lulldapull]

India pulled out of the FGFA program a good half a decade or so ago. Now they're going back in?

 

[Krishna with Flute]

What is F-20?

Come on. Say it out loud again: Su-57 has better capabilities than J-20.
View attachment 11825

My mistake. F22.

J20 is no match to Su57. Su 57 is most maneuverable plane ever built. It has a bit lower stealth compared to F22 Raptor but it has great features like speed, climb rate , agility. J20 is a forth generation plane with internal bay and 4- generation of weapons and agility of 3.5 generation plane.

 

[Bilal9]

What is F-20?

Come on. Say it out loud again: Su-57 has better capabilities than J-20.
View attachment 11825

I don't believe there is enough information available to Indians to judge J20 capabilities. Just my opinion.

Maybe you can inform them by providing more videos and stats.

I personally am very interested as this has a fair chance of getting inducted into the Pakistani and other regional air forces in another couple of years - given export approval from your govt.