Russia has offered its Su-35 fighter jet to India under a major deal to buy 110 jets for the Indian Air Force.
While the Su-35 is powerful, experts believe it may not fully meet India’s modern defence needs, especially when compared to the upgrades planned for India’s existing Su-30MKI fleet.
India May Skip Su-35 in Favour of Upgraded Jets
In a big development, Russia has offered its Su-35 fighter jet to India as part of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal.
This tender aims to buy 110 modern fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). While the Su-35 is a powerful jet, experts believe it may not be the best fit for India’s current and future needs.
What is the Su-35?
The Su-35 is a Russian-made multi-role fighter jet. It’s designed to handle both air and ground targets.
The jet is known for its speed, agility, and powerful engines that allow thrust-vectoring (which improves maneuverability).
It also has long-range radar capabilities, making it a strong contender in global air forces.
So Why Might India Not Choose It?
Despite its strengths, the Su-35 has several drawbacks when compared to what India is looking for in its future air fleet.
Lacks AESA Radar
One of the main disadvantages of the Su-35 is that it doesn’t have an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
AESA radars are now standard in modern fighter jets. They allow better target detection, faster tracking, and are harder to jam.
Instead, the Su-35 uses a PESA (Passive Electronically Scanned Array) radar, which is older technology and not as capable.
No Advanced Avionics from Su-57
Another issue is that the Su-35 doesn’t include the newer avionics or stealth systems used in Russia’s more advanced Su-57 fifth-generation fighter.
These technologies offer better sensor fusion, stealth, and battlefield awareness. India is aiming to include such systems in its future jets.
What is India Doing Instead?
Rather than buying new jets like the Su-35, India is focusing on upgrading its existing fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets under the Super 30 program.
This upgrade includes:
A new AESA radar based on Gallium Nitride (GaN), which is more powerful and efficient.
Advanced avionics, meaning better displays, sensors, and navigation systems.
A Wide Area Display (WAD) in the cockpit for improved pilot awareness.
Electronic Warfare (EW) systems taken from India’s own fighter programs like Tejas MkII and AMCA.
This upgrade will turn the Su-30MKI into a highly modern fighter, capable of performing better than many new jets.
Plus, since India already operates the Su-30MKI, upgrading it is more cost-effective and logistically smoother than buying an entirely new aircraft like the Su-35.
India’s Bigger Picture: Indigenous Defence
India is also working hard on building its own next-generation fighters like the Tejas MkII and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).
These programs aim to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and develop homegrown technologies.
In this context, buying the Su-35, which lacks modern radar and next-gen systems, doesn’t match the Indian Air Force’s vision for the future.
While the Su-35 is a strong and capable jet, it falls short in key areas like radar and next-generation aviation electronics.
India’s main focus is on upgrading its current fighter jets and investing more in homegrown aircraft programs.
The upgrade for the Su-30MKI will offer a better long-term value and is more aligned with the defence goals of India, and therefore, the Su-35 is unlikely to be India’s top choice for the MRFA deal.
