According to unconfirmed reports, the Indian Air Force may be considering purchasing the fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), a two-seat version of the Su-57 from Russia, rather than the US F-35 or the single-seat Su-57. This move marks a significant shift in India's strategy for acquiring stealth fighters and has sparked heated discussions on geopolitical and military needs.

The Indian Air Force's demand for stealth fighters goes beyond fifth-generation technology, with a specific requirement for a two-seat, twin-engine configuration. The single-seat version of the Su-57 is unlikely to meet this need, but the development of a two-seat variant of the Su-57 by Russia has rekindled India's interest.

India and Russia had previously planned to jointly develop the FGFA project based on the Su-57, aiming to create a two-seat stealth fighter. However, in 2018, India withdrew from the project due to high costs, performance flaws (such as lack of super cruise and insufficient stealth capabilities), and unclear work distribution. Despite this, India never completely closed the door to procurement. In July 2018, then Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that Russia could independently advance the FGFA development, while India retained the option to purchase it in the future. In July 2019, the Chief of the Indian Air Force further confirmed that India would make a decision after evaluating the operational performance of the Su-57 and the Russian demonstration of the aircraft in India.

In recent years, the Su-57 has demonstrated reliable combat performance in deployments in Syria and Ukraine, gradually dispelling India's doubts about its capabilities. The second phase "Product 30" engine being developed by Russia is expected to grant the Su-57 true fifth-generation capabilities such as super cruise, with the first aircraft equipped with this engine expected to be delivered around 2026. Additionally, during the 2025 India Aviation Show, Russia showcased the Su-57 in Bangalore, further boosting India's confidence.

In November 2023, the Russian United Aircraft Corporation published a patent for the two-seat Su-57, clearly targeting the requirements of the Indian Air Force. This variant not only meets the Indian Air Force's preference for a two-seat configuration but also brings the following strategic advantages:

A two-seat configuration facilitates pilots transitioning to complex fifth-generation systems, similar to the widely used Su-30MKI two-seat trainer aircraft in the Indian Air Force.

The second crew member can manage complex systems, data fusion, and electronic warfare, reducing the pilot's workload and adapting to modern network-centric warfare. One pilot focuses on flying, while the other focuses on the weapon system, making the Su-57 a more powerful deep-strike platform suitable for penetrating advanced enemy air defense systems.

The two-seat Su-57 can control drones like the S-70 "Berkut," enhancing combat capabilities in disputed airspace, aligning with the Indian Air Force's future operational theories.

According to the Russian patent, the two-seat Su-57 can serve as an airborne command center for mixed fleets, integrating the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and future indigenous drones.

The Indian AMCA project is not expected to become operational before 2035, while the multi-role fighter (planned to procure 114 fighter jets) has progressed slowly. Procuring 18-24 two-seat Su-57s could serve as a temporary solution, providing advanced capabilities while not affecting the long-term development of the AMCA.

Russia may offer industrial cooperation, such as licensed assembly, maintenance facilities, or customized avionics, which would be attractive to both Indian industry and the air force. Furthermore, procuring the Su-57 would help maintain Indo-Russian defense relations and ensure continued collaboration on projects like the Su-30MKI upgrades.

It can be seen that choosing the two-seat Su-57 instead of the F-35 allows India to maintain a delicate balance between the US and Russia, avoiding Russian dissatisfaction due to the procurement of American equipment, while also evading the US sanctions pressure on the S-400. This "360-degree geopolitical balance" aligns with India's usual diplomatic strategy.

Although the rumor of the Indian Air Force purchasing the two-seat Su-57 has not been officially confirmed, it is logically reasonable and strategically feasible. The two-seat version tailored by Russia for India's needs, combined with technological advancements and operational verification of the Su-57, makes it an ideal choice to fill the capability gap in the Indian Air Force. Before the AMCA becomes operational, the two-seat Su-57 can not only enhance the combat power of the Indian Air Force but also provide strategic flexibility for India in a complex geopolitical environment.



Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7530524920980275754/

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