In a bold new offer aimed at strengthening defense ties, Russia has proposed a production agreement with India to build the Su-35 Flanker-E, one of its most advanced fighter jets. This comes as India’s Air Force gears up for the highly-anticipated bid for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft [MRFA], a significant investment in the nation’s air defense capabilities.
India’s need for cutting-edge technology and reliable defense manufacturing partnerships is evident, and the Su-35 might just be the game-changer they’re looking for. The offer, reported by Indian media outlets could give India a clear advantage, allowing the country to produce the Su-35 domestically along with its powerful AL-41F engines.
The Su-35, Russia’s multi-role fighter jet, is an engineering marvel, built on the legacy of the Su-27 Flanker family but heavily upgraded to meet the demands of modern warfare. With its highly advanced AL-41F1S engines, the Su-35 offers both supercruise capabilities and thrust vectoring, which make it exceptionally agile in combat, allowing it to maneuver out of difficult situations and gain the upper hand over potential adversaries.
These engines enable the Su-35 to reach speeds of up to Mach 2.25 and altitudes of 59,000 feet, while its range exceeds 2,200 miles without refueling. The radar cross-section has been minimized, making it more elusive to enemy radar, although it’s not fully stealth.
Equipped with the Irbis-E radar, the aircraft can detect targets up to 250 miles away and track multiple targets simultaneously, engaging with several of them at the same time if necessary. This radar system gives the Su-35 an edge in beyond-visual-range [BVR] combat, essential for modern-day engagements where line-of-sight is often not feasible.
For India, the proposal comes with a few strategic advantages that align well with its current defense infrastructure. The Russian side has highlighted the potential synergy between the Su-30 and Su-35 manufacturing lines, pointing out that India already produces the Su-30MKI under license. This shared production capability could streamline the manufacturing process for the Su-35, allowing for faster setup and reduced investment compared to starting from scratch.
Moreover, Russia has assured India that the existing supply chain for the Su-30MKI can be adapted with only minor investments to accommodate Su-35 production. This promise is particularly attractive to India, as it would allow for rapid scaling of domestic manufacturing, potentially enabling double-digit production rates of the Su-35 each year, thereby bolstering India’s fighter fleet with minimal delay.
The AL-41F engine, the Su-35’s core powerhouse, is designed for both durability and high performance. Its supercruise ability—sustained supersonic flight without afterburners—means that the Su-35 can cover large distances swiftly, ideal for India’s vast geographic landscape and varied border conditions. The engine’s thrust vectoring nozzles offer enhanced maneuverability, which is especially advantageous in close-combat scenarios, making the Su-35 a formidable opponent in dogfights.
This level of agility is complemented by the jet’s airframe and aerodynamics, designed to handle extreme maneuvers without risking structural integrity. Each Su-35 is equipped with 12 external hardpoints for various payloads, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground munitions, and anti-ship missiles, enhancing its role flexibility across missions. The Flanker-E also boasts an advanced electronic warfare [EW] suite, enabling it to evade radar tracking and increase survivability in contested airspaces.
By bringing Su-35 production to India, Russia is pitching more than just a deal; it’s offering a long-term strategic partnership. This approach seems aimed at not only securing India as a customer but also as a key ally in Russia’s global defense network.
For India, which has historically diversified its defense acquisitions, this proposal could provide a more secure, indigenous production line for a modern, battle-ready aircraft that is already proven in multiple combat theaters. The domestic production would not only support India’s “Make in India” initiative but would also reduce dependency on foreign imports, a critical factor for a country seeking strategic autonomy in defense.
As the MRFA tender unfolds, India will weigh its options among several contenders from different nations, each presenting their own advanced technologies and systems. Russia’s Su-35, however, comes with the added assurance of a seamless integration into India’s existing Russian-made fighter fleet, especially with the operational experience India already has with the Su-30MKI.
With Russia’s Su-35 making waves with its recent proposal, other heavyweight contenders are also vying for the Indian Air Force’s favor. The stakes are high, and the offerings from each participant bring unique capabilities, technological advancements, and strategic benefits to the table.
First on the list is the United States, presenting the F-21, a modified version of the F-16 fighter jet, tailored specifically for the Indian market. Lockheed Martin has positioned the F-21 as a game-changing platform, equipped with advanced avionics, state-of-the-art radar, and an arsenal of precision-guided munitions.
The F-21 features an advanced active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar, which offers superior tracking and targeting capabilities compared to its predecessors. Additionally, Lockheed Martin emphasizes the fighter’s multirole capabilities, ensuring that it can adapt to air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions alike.
The U.S. proposal is not just about hardware; it includes a promise of significant technology transfer, which could lead to an enhanced indigenous manufacturing capability in India. This aligns seamlessly with India’s aspirations for self-reliance in defense production, reinforcing the “Make in India” initiative.
Next, the European consortium, comprising Dassault Aviation and Airbus, is offering the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, respectively. The Rafale, a twin-engine multirole fighter, is celebrated for its versatility and advanced combat capabilities. Equipped with the RBE2 AESA radar, the Rafale can track multiple targets while employing a range of weapons, including the Meteor beyond-visual-range missile.
The French proposal emphasizes not only the aircraft’s combat effectiveness but also the strategic partnership between India and France, highlighting a history of collaboration in defense and other sectors. Dassault Aviation is keen to underscore the advantages of the Rafale’s operational capabilities and its proven track record in various conflicts. Furthermore, the possibility of establishing a local production line for Rafale jets in India would enhance national security and bolster the country’s defense manufacturing base.
On the other side of the ring, the Eurofighter Typhoon offers another compelling option. Jointly developed by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the Typhoon is a sophisticated fighter with advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge technology. Its CAPTOR-E AESA radar provides exceptional situational awareness, allowing the pilot to detect and engage threats at unprecedented ranges.
The Typhoon excels in air superiority missions but also boasts formidable ground-attack capabilities. The proposal from the Eurofighter consortium includes options for deep technology transfer and local production, promising India a solid platform to enhance its indigenous capabilities. With both the Rafale and the Typhoon, the European offerings bring a level of interoperability that could be beneficial for India’s future collaborations with NATO countries and other allies.
Russia’s key competitors also include Sweden’s Saab, which is pushing the Gripen E as a cost-effective, agile solution. The Gripen E stands out with its lightweight design and cutting-edge avionics, including the Raven ES-05 AESA radar. It offers impressive operational flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of mission profiles while maintaining low operational costs.
Saab emphasizes the ease of maintenance and the potential for local assembly in India, which could appeal to the Indian Air Force’s desire for sustainability and efficiency in its fleet management. The Gripen’s adaptability and modernization potential position it as an attractive option for India, especially for a country looking to balance cost with capability.
As the competition heats up, each of these contenders presents not just aircraft but broader visions of defense cooperation with India. The U.S. offers an opportunity for deepening strategic ties and technology transfer, while the European offerings promise robust partnerships and proven capabilities.
Each participant has crafted its proposal with care, recognizing the importance of aligning with India’s long-term defense strategy and its ambitions for self-reliance. The outcome of the MRFA tender will not only shape India’s aerial capabilities for years to come but will also redefine geopolitical alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, as countries seek to strengthen ties through defense collaboration.
In this high-stakes game, India stands poised to choose a partner that not only meets its immediate tactical needs but also aligns with its strategic vision for the future.
