In a bid to boost its air power, New Delhi may seek a partnership with Russia’s Sukhoi
lndia could buy at least two squadrons of Russia’s first operational fifth-generation fighter – the Sukhoi Su-57 – from Russia and will evaluate a Russian proposal to manufacture the fighter jets domestically, The Print website said on Tuesday.
The Russian proposal is along the lines of earlier agreements with New Delhi, under which MiG and Su-30 MKI jets are made in India, the report added.
If the proposal is accepted, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will collaborate with the Russia company to manufacture the aircraft.
If the sides agree to make the Su-57s in India, the initial two squadrons would be delivered in a fly-away condition, the website said, citing sources. 3-5 squadrons could be manufactured in India by HAL at its Nashik facility.
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The plans are in the preliminary stages and are separate from the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, which the Indian Air Force (IAF) is pursuing, according to the report.
Under the MRFA programme, the IAF has reportedly recommended the French Rafale aircraft, manufactured by Dassault Aviation.
READ MORE:India clears way for own fifth-generation fighter jet
In May Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved the “execution model” for developing an Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) with an investment of $175 million. The AMCA is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, multi-role stealth fighter designed to perform a wide array of missions, including achieving air superiority, carrying out ground strikes, suppressing enemy air defenses, and waging electronic warfare.
Last month the Indian government reportedly signed off on a $7.6 billion deal for domestically produced fighter planes.