Moscow and Washington have showcased their fifth generation aircraft amid rising competition for defense partnership
Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-57, has made its debut at India’s largest air show, Aero India, where it was displayed alongside America’s F-35. This is the first time that both Russian and American fifth-generation fighters have been present at the show, amid intense competition between the two nations for the South Asian country’s defense market.
Speaking to the media in Bangalore, where the airshow kicked off on Monday, the head of Rosoboronexport – Russia’s state-owned arms export agency – Aleksandr Mikheev, said Moscow is ready to supply the advanced fifth-generation Su-57E multirole fighter to its partners.
“Today, we are presenting this aircraft in India for the first time with a new flight program that will showcase its outstanding flight and technical capabilities, as well as the clear advantages of the Russian aircraft over its competitors,” Mikheev told TASS. According to him, the debut of the Su-57E has generated significant interest in the global market, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the US Air Force canceled planned demonstration flights of its F-35A stealth fighter and the upgraded F-16 fighter just days before the show, according to media reports. The Russian ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, suggested that the cancelation is linked to the participation of Russia’s Su-57 in the show. “As practice shows, our competitors are not ready for fair competition,” he told TASS.
The Su-57 is the world’s only fifth-generation fighter jet that has proven its effectiveness in combat situations against Western air defense systems. The aircraft is capable of using a wide range of precision-guided munitions and features low radar visibility against enemy detection systems.
Over a dozen major Russian defense companies will take part in Aero India, showcasing advanced air defense systems, aircraft, helicopters, and aircraft engines in India for the first time.
Russia has been India’s primary partner in the defense sector, particularly in military aircraft. Up to 60% of the Indian Air Force fleet is of Russian origin, including Sukhoi-30s, MiG-29s, MiG-21s, Mi-17 helicopters, and Il-76 heavy-lifters. Some of these aircraft are assembled in India. The Su-30MKI has been manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace and defense company, since 2004 under a license. As many as 222 aircraft have been produced at HAL’s Nashik factory.
In September last year, the Indian Defense Ministry signed a $3.05 billion contract with HAL for 240 Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FP turbofan engines for the aircraft. HAL will supply 30 engines annually from the Koraput factory, with deliveries expected to be completed in eight years.
