The much-anticipated collaboration between Russia and India to develop the state-of-the-art Su-57 fighter jet, a symbol of aerial prowess and technological might, has met an unceremonious end.
Originally known as the PAK-FA during its design phase, this project has evolved into the Su-57. The collaboration would have combined Russia’s renowned Sukhoi with India’s lesser-known Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
However, India eventually withdrew, leaving Russia to develop the Su-57 on its own.
India had several concerns about the Su-57 program, including the engineering quality of the aircraft, its high costs, and the low order volume.
As construction progressed, issues with the aircraft’s engine reliability and the airframe’s stealth performance became apparent. These reliability problems were significant enough for India to exit the program.
Initially, India planned to procure 144 Su-57s, while Russia intended to purchase 250.
However, by 2015, Russia had reduced its procurement projections to just twelve to sixteen units, significantly increasing the production cost per unit and raising concerns for India about why Russia did not commit to an aircraft it had developed.
Consequently, India withdrew from the program entirely, citing four major concerns and procuring no aircraft.
India’s primary concern was the engine. The Saturn AL-41F was unreliable and compromised the jet’s radar cross section. Besides the subpar engine, India was troubled by Sukhoi’s quality control, as the airframe construction seemed haphazard.
Reportedly, one Su-57 prototype needed patches on its wings to prevent detachment during high-g maneuvers.
The sight of Sukhoi essentially patching their fifth-generation prototype together with duct tape and bubble gum was too much for India.
In 2014, Indian officials identified at least four major shortcomings in the joint Su-57 project. Among the most critical issues was the fighter’s power source. The Russian AL-41F engines were found to be defective and poorly constructed, which adversely affected the aircraft’s stealth capabilities.
Delhi was unwilling to justify such extravagant spending on a product it had lost faith in. In 2018, Russia asked India to reconsider.
“I believe that we should resume this project, Russia is open to that,” said Vladimir Drozhzhov, the deputy director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation. “We are ready and are proposing this program to our Indian partners.”
However, India refused to rejoin the partnership that had gone so poorly. This decision seems prescient; only 22 Su-57s have been built, even though the airframe took its maiden flight 14 years ago.
Relevant articles:
– Russia and India Almost Built the Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter Together, The National Interest
– Remember PAK-FA? India and Russia Planned to Build the Su-57 Felon Together, The National Interest
– Su-57 For India: Lethal Capabilities, Enticing Economic Benefits Could Make IAF Relook At Russian Jets?, EurAsian Times
– Where’s the Su-57? The war in Ukraine is what fifth-generation fighter jets were made for, but Russia’s Felon has largely been missing in action, Business Insider