To meet the shortage of fighter jets, the Indian Air Force is going to make a deal with France for 114 Rafale fighter jets. Despite that, India’s biggest tension is regarding the 5th generation fighter jet because the Chinese Air Force is already using fighter planes like J-20 and J-35. There were also reports that China may make a deal with Pakistan regarding 5th generation fighter jets. India has received offers from America and Russia for the 5th generation fighter jet, although till now it has neither agreed to the American F-35 nor the Russian Su-57. Meanwhile, Russia has made such an offer to India for Su-57M1E, which will not be easy for India to refuse.

Russia has offered India an updated version of Su-57 stealth fighter jet. According to the Defense.in website, this double-seat Su-57 has been offered by Russia in a high-level meeting of officials of both the countries during the ‘Wings India 2026’ exhibition. The proposal given by Moscow also includes giving full technology transfer and source code, as has been given for BrahMos and Astra missiles. Russia plans to bring the Indian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) back on track, in which both the countries will jointly produce it.

Specialty of Russia’s double seater fighter jet

According to reports, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has given detailed details of a plan, under which India will be allowed to domestically manufacture critical components of this 5th generation fighter jet. This proposal involves very expensive technology, such as-

– Next generation engines (specifically Izdeliye 30/AL-51F1)
– AESA radar system and updated optical sensors
– Access to source code, which will make it possible to integrate indigenous Indian weapons such as BrahMos and Astra missiles
– Artificial Intelligence for Combat Automation

India was out of Russia’s FGFA project in 2018

Let us tell you that in the year 2018, India had separated itself from the FGFA program citing rising costs, less work given to Indian engineers and doubts over the stealth capability and engine performance of the fighter jet. Since then, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has given priority to Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). However, first flight of the AMCA prototype is proposed for 2029 and mass production is not expected until the mid-2030s. In such a situation, Russia is presenting Su-57 as an important ‘strategic bridge’ to bridge the gap in India’s growing stealth capability.

How different is the Russian jet from America’s F-35?

The F-35 fighter jet that America has offered to India is a single seater, whereas this fighter jet of Russia is a double seater, which experts can name as Su-57M. Russia argues that modern manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) requires the presence of a second crew member. The operator in the rear seat acts as the mission commander or ‘mini-AWACS’. This officer will manage a group of stealth UCAV drones like the S-70 Okhotnik, while the pilot will focus on flying maneuvers and air-to-air maneuvers.

IAF shows interest in Su-57M1E!

The Russian Defense Industry says that the airframe of this double-seat prototype is already being assembled at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAZ). The Indian Air Force has shown renewed interest in the updated Su-57M1E, although Delhi remains cautious. Sources say that to keep the Indian Air Force modern, it can make a deal for at least two squadrons (40) fighter jets, but AMCA will remain its priority. His full focus will be on ensuring that this indigenous project is not affected in any way.

A big decision regarding the Su-30MKI, the most powerful fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, is going to be taken soon. On one hand, the ‘Super Sukhoi’ upgrade program is expected to get the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security in the next one to two months, on the other hand, with the inclusion of Israel’s deadly Rampage missile in it, its strike capability has increased manifold. After this upgrade, Su-30MKI will not only remain the backbone of the Indian Air Force, but will also be seen standing at the forefront of the list of the world’s deadliest fighter jets.

According to HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil, technical preparations for the major upgrade program of Su-30MKI have been completed. All important aspects have been agreed upon between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Indian Air Force and DRDO and now only formal approval is awaited. Under this scheme, 84 Su-30MKI fighter aircraft will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Why is the upgrade considered important?

This upgrade is also considered very important because Su-30MKI is still the most numerous and most powerful fighter jet of the Air Force. It plays a decisive role in air defense, deep strike and maritime operations. As a large number of aircraft have now entered their second decade of service, this upgrade has become necessary to keep them fully capable beyond 2040. Especially until the future indigenous fighter jet AMCA joins the Air Force.

Su-30MKI will have state-of-the-art technology

Under the Super Sukhoi upgrade, the Su-30MKI will be taken to a completely new level. It will include long-range AESA radar, state-of-the-art digital cockpit, artificial intelligence based multi-function display and voice command system. Along with this, new IRST system, advanced self-protection jammer, better electronic warfare and advanced data link capabilities will also be added.

Su-30MKI’s destructive power increased with Rampage Missile

Meanwhile, another major increase in the firepower of Su-30MKI occurred when the Indian Air Force included Israel’s supersonic Rampage air-to-surface missile in it. This is the same missile, which was recently used during Operation Sindoor and which caused heavy damage to enemy targets.

The Rampage missile reaches the target at supersonic speed and its heavy warhead is capable of destroying even the strongest targets. According to defense experts, this missile is very difficult for the existing air defense system to track, due to which it is considered capable of dodging even the state-of-the-art systems like S-400, THAAD and Iron Dome.

Why is Rampage dangerous for air defense systems?

The biggest strength of Rampage missile is its high speed, low altitude flight and precise guidance system. This missile flies at a speed of about 1975 kilometers per hour and is equipped with a powerful warhead of about 570 kg. Its design is such that it becomes visible late to radar and air defense systems, making it extremely difficult to intercept.

This missile is capable of targeting important targets like enemy bunkers, command centres, airfields, bridges and warships. Earlier it was included in Jaguar Darin-III and MiG-29K aircraft of the Navy, but its effect on a heavy and long-range fighter like Su-30MKI is considered to be more fatal. For this, necessary changes have also been made in the airframe and fire control system of the aircraft.

Where does Su-30MKI stand compared to Rafale?

Although Rafale is considered a state-of-the-art multi-role fighter jet, but experts believe that with longer range, more weapon carrying capacity, twin engine power and now supersonic missile like Rampage, Su-30MKI can prove to be more lethal in deep strike and stand-off attacks.

This is the reason why defense experts consider Su-30MKI to be a more powerful platform than Rafale in many missions. Interestingly, while the Su-30MKI and MiG-29K are fighter jets of Russian origin, the Rampage missile has been developed in Israel. India had purchased the first batch of this missile during the increased tension with China in 2020-21 and since then it has become an important part of the precision strike capability of the Indian Air Force.

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Russia ukraine war: There is a big turn in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The Ukrainian army has claimed that it has killed Russia’s most advanced fighter aircraft SU-35. The incident took place in Kursk area of ​​Russia and it was informed by Ukraine’s Air Force on Telegram. Although there is no independent confirmation of this claim so far, Russia’s silence is being considered as its silent acceptance. This attack is considered a major setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was preparing to sell this aircraft to many countries of the world.

What is SU-35?
SU-35 is Russia’s most modern and powerful fighter aircraft. It has been created by the Sukhoi company of Russia and it is an advanced version of the SU-27 fighter. This aircraft has full potential to fight any enemy in the air and is used in many types of missions.

The features of SU-35
It is a single seater aircraft. The engines installed in it are so powerful that it can fly at a speed of 2500 kilometers per hour. Its radar can catch the enemy up to 400 km away. It can fly with air -to -air missiles, smart bombs, and anti -ship weapons. This aircraft is also mastered in taking a sharp turn and changing the direction suddenly, which proves to be dangerous in dogfite (fighting in the air).

Has been deployed in many wars
SU-35 has been deployed by Russia in the war of Syria and Ukraine. This fighter jet is considered to be the backbone of Russia’s Air Force. It has been designed to compete with the US F-15 and Europe’s Eurofighter Typhoon.

India also offered offers
Russia has proposed to buy this aircraft India as well. It was also said that if India wants, SU-35 can be made in India only, but so far no clear answer has come from India.

What will be the effect of Ukraine’s claim?
If this claim of Ukraine is true, then it is a matter of great concern for Russia. This raises questions on the strength of Russia’s army and at the same time the credibility of its weapons can also be shocked. Putin, who was dreaming of selling this aircraft to other countries, may now have to think again on it.

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully conducted the release trials of the long distance glide bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from Sukhoi Fighter Jet SU-30. During these trials, the weapon was integrated at several stations in various war conferences, which had a target on an island. The tests successfully performed with accuracy up to 100 km.

Characteristics of Gaurav Bomb
The weight of the Gaurav bomb is 1,000 kg square. It has been designed and developed indigenously on behalf of Research Center Imrat, Ordnance Research and Development Establishment and Integrated Test Range Chandipur. INS and GPS data have been combined with highly accurate hybrid navigation schemes. Talking about capacity, Gaurav Bomb is capable of penetrating long distance goals with accuracy.

It was tested (8–10 April 2025) by SU-30 MKI aircraft. Gaurav Bomb was successfully performed with accuracy up to 100 km. Adani Defense Systems and Technologies and Bharat Forge will form it.

Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and IAF for successful testing of ‘Gaurav’
Posted on X on behalf of the Defense Minister’s office, it was said that DRDO India has successfully conducted successful tests of Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from SU-30 MKI during 8-10 April 2025. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, IAF and industry for successful development tests of ‘Gaurav’. He said that the development of ‘Gaurav’ will further increase the capabilities of the armed forces.

The @DRDO_India Has successfully conducted the release trials of long range glide bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ during 8-10 april 2025 from the su-30 mki.

Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh Complimented DRDO, IAF and Industry for Successful Development Trials of the long range glide bomb… pic.twitter.com/rhbtlhzsfg

– Defense Minister Office/ RMO India (@DeffenceminIndia) April 11, 2025

These tests have paved the way to include this weapon in the Indian Air Force, which is an important step in strengthening India’s defense capabilities. The Indian Air Force did not have any such glide bomb during the Balakot air strike. In such a situation, Israeli’s Spice-20,000 bombs were dropped from the Mirage fighter jet of the Indian Air Force on the training camp of terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed.

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