In a significant development within the global defence sector, India and Russia are engaged in high-level discussions to jointly manufacture Su-30 fighter jets for the international market. This collaboration is poised to reshape the defence landscape, offering substantial benefits to both nations while challenging existing geopolitical dynamics. India’s objective in these talks is to strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, in line with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, while Russia seeks to navigate around economic sanctions imposed by the United States, particularly under the CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) legislation.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace giant, has been at the forefront of producing Su-30MKI fighters for the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over two decades. The ongoing discussions are focused on expanding this partnership to produce export versions of the Su-30, leveraging India’s growing defence production base. The Su-30MKI, since its induction in 2002, has been a cornerstone of the IAF, known for its advanced features, including thrust vectoring engines and electronically scanned array radar. This multi-role fighter jet, co-developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau and HAL, is renowned for its superior manoeuvrability, attributed to its thrust vector control and canard design. The Su-30MKI has been a mainstay in the IAF with an order of 272 aircraft, underlining its critical role in India’s air defence strategy.

Equipped with 12 hardpoints and a payload capacity of 8 tonnes, the Su-30MKI can carry a wide range of weaponry, including the Kh-29, Kh-31, and Kh-59M air-to-surface missiles, and the R-27, R-73, and R-77 air-to-air missiles. The aircraft’s defensive capabilities are enhanced by advanced electronic countermeasures, including the DRDO-developed Tarang radar warning receiver, chaff/flare dispensers, and active jammers. Its power is derived from twin AL-31FP engines with afterburners, allowing it to reach speeds of up to Mach 1.9 and a maximum range of 3,000 km, which extends to an impressive 8,000 km with in-flight refuelling. The proposed collaboration presents mutual benefits. For Russia, it opens doors to markets previously inaccessible due to Western sanctions, by leveraging India as a manufacturing base. For India, it presents an opportunity to further enhance its defence industrial base, fostering growth among local suppliers involved in the Su-30 program.

However, there are challenges to be addressed before Indian-made Su-30s can become competitive in the international market. Currently, these domestically produced jets have higher costs and maintenance requirements compared to their Russian counterparts. – Aditya Shrivastava (BHARAT РОССИЯ) Nevertheless, with potential upgrades in engines, sensors, and weapon systems, these jets could emerge as a formidable option for global customers. Additionally, India’s efforts to increase local content in production could eventually lead to cost reductions and quality enhancements.

Beyond the economic and technological aspects, this collaboration carries strategic significance. By jointly producing Su-30 fighters for export, India and Russia could deepen their defence ties and expand their influence in the global arms market. However, the reaction from Western nations, particularly the United States, remains uncertain, given India’s recent defence agreements with them. This partnership could serve as a litmus test for India’s balancing act between its traditional ties with Russia and its growing relations with Western powers.