1. India su-57 deal: F‑35A & Russian Su‑57E – Taking a Back Seat?
Alright, so the rumor mill’s buzzing: India may ditch overtures for the U.S. F‑35A and Russian Su‑57E. Instead, it’s leaning toward a dual-seat stealth fighter, possibly a revamped version of the old Indo-Russian FGFA concept. Makes sense, since the IAF has been pretty clear—what they really want is a two-seater, twin-engine stealth jet.
But let’s be real: procurement isn’t just about fighter specs. India’s Ministry of Defence often juggles geopolitical messaging just as much as military logic.
2. Geopolitical Tug‑of‑War
India’s always playing the global balancing act—keeping the U.S. AND Russia happy:
- F‑35 deal? Could build goodwill with Washington—but there’d be strings attached.
- Reports suggest the U.S. might demand India ditch its S‑400 air defense in favor of THAAD missile systems.
- And let’s face it—THAAD across the country isn’t cheap. Retiring S‑400 would leave big coverage gaps. Yikes.
IAF chiefs recently hinted they’d hate making such a trade—remember that Salman Khan quote?
“Ek baar … commit kiya hai, fir main apne aap ki bhi nahi sunta.”
Once we’re in, we’re in—whether it’s wise or not.
3. U.S. Steps Back, Russia Steps Up? Maybe…
Suppose the U.S. politely lets India opt for the Su‑57. Still, the Su‑57E isn’t a miracle jet—at least not yet.
Here’s the kicker: India doesn’t just want stealth—they want a dual-seat, twin-engine stealth beast.
Sounds like the old FGFA, right? Exactly moved from PAK‑FA/Su‑57 design. But India pulled out of that in 2018. Why?
- No supercruise
- Stealth performance gaps
- No real field testing
Yet, India didn’t close the door completely. In 2018, Nirmala Sitharaman even said India might buy FGFA later. In 2019, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said they’d wait to see it in action—maybe once Russia flies it over India.
4. Su‑57 Got Better Since Then
Two big updates fuel growing interest:
- Izdeliye‑30 engine? Flight-tested, designed for supercruise.
- Combat sorties? Russia used Su‑57s in Syria and Ukraine—performance seems solid.
- It was also shown in Bengaluru at Aero India 2025. Pretty clear signal.
5. Why the Two-Seater Idea is a Game-Changer
Russia isn’t just flirting with tech—they’re patenting it. Here’s the low-down on why it matters:
| Feature | Why Double-Seat Rocks |
| Pilot Training | Easier transition to complex systems—IAF loves twin-seater trainers like Su‑30MKI. |
| Mission Load Split | One flies, one manages systems/e-warfare—less stress, more focus. |
| Drone Control | Could command UAVs like the S‑70 Okhotnik—huge plus for swarm tactics. |
| Sky HQ | Acts as airborne command center—great when mixing jets/drones. |
| Strike Efficiency | Deep strikes + second crew for weapons = bigger punch. |
Sounds pretty solid, right? Meets IAF’s needs right now, with an eye on future drone-based warfare.
6. Logic + Strategy = Su‑57 Two‑Seater
Let’s be fair: India’s future FGFA (AMCA) isn’t ready til 2035-ish.
The two-seater Su‑57 offers a tough interim solution:
- Fills the capability gap fast
- Lets India start drone networks
- Could involve Indian industry—assembly, avionics, MRO
And cued-up deal for 18–24 jets could keep things doable, while the bigger MRFA and AMCA plans roll out.
7. Myths vs. Truths
Myth 1: “Su‑57 is outdated junk.”
Truth: With new engines and real combat experience, it’s matured—and Russia is actively marketing export versions.
Myth 2: “Only single‑seat fighters work in stealth.”
Truth: Two-seaters are common (F‑15E, Su‑34). For fifth-gen jets needing heavy systems, a second crew is a bonus.
Myth 3: “India just wants indigenously‑built jets.”
Truth: They do—but while the AMCA is years away, they still need capability now. Dual-seat Su‑57 fits that gap.
8. What’s Next & Why It Matters
- India could sign a small deal soon… maybe by Aero India 2027? No guarantees, but Russia’s patent is a signal.
- If IAF gets two-seaters, training becomes streamlined.
- It boosts India’s networked warfare doctrine—Swarm drones, command jets, smart targeting.
- This also slows IAF’s reliance on U.S. hardware and supports long-term independence.
9. Final Word
No doubt, India’s defense procurement dance mixes strategy, diplomacy, industrial policy—and yes, ego too. But this move toward a two-seat Su‑57 seems logical:
- It fills capability gaps now
- It preps for future drone-centric combat
- It supports Make‑in‑India defense outreach
So, while F‑35 and Su‑57E were eye-catchers, the dual-seat Su‑57 “FGFA redux” might just be the sweet spot India’s been searching for.
Also read: Paytm Just Got Smarter: 7 New UPI Features You Won’t Find Anywhere Else!