russia revealed what it offered India alongside the analognetny Su-57 fighter, which they're trying to sell as an intermediate fifth generation. This confirms readiness both for technology sales with licensed production and reveals interesting marketing tricks positioning it as safer than F-35.
This was reported by Vadim Badekha, CEO of russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). They emphasize that Indians are an exclusive partner in aircraft manufacturing, with a history spanning over 60 years starting with the MiG-21.
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The Su-57E proposal includes complete exchange of design documentation, engines, radar systems, artificial intelligence integration, stealth technologies, and source code for software. Full modification and editing by Indian engineers according to requirements and needs is permitted.
Another interesting point is russian promises that their fighter is truly autonomous with no vulnerabilities, hidden kill switches, or other capability-limiting technical restrictions. They mentioned the F-35, where similar questions raised a wave of concern in Europe.
As a reminder, no simple kill switch actually exists. However, there are other important software components and information exchange systems where dependence on the U.S. genuinely exists, so the source code transfer argument makes sense in theory, but how deep this goes is unknown.
On the other hand, the previously known readiness to sell russian-manufactured aircraft for quickly meeting needs and establishing licensed production in India is confirmed. Meanwhile, technology transfer could be used to develop India's own AMCA fifth-generation fighter.
It's also noted that unlike 2018 when the russian-Indian deal fell through, the Su-57 today is a proven combat platform that will receive new Izdeliye 177 engines.Considering these engines just entered testing, when they'll reach serial production is unknown.
Note that no firm procurement contract has been made yet, and some circles in India even oppose this. However, russians have already conducted analysis of local industry that is 50% ready for Su-57 localization, so it's quite likely that preparation for a final deal is already underway.
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