India begins final talks with Russia over fighter jets and Super Sukhois

India has finally decided to take forward its negotiations with Russia about the mega projects that were stalled in the past.

As per TNN sources, the talks about jointly developing a futuristic fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) and upgrading the existing Sukhoi- 30MKI jets into 'Super Sukhois' with advanced avionics and weapons have begun amidst India and Russia.

However, India and France are also close to inking a deal worth 7.8 billion euro deal for 36 Rafale jets, but the defence ministry has acknowledged that these 36 fighters will not be enough for India’s air combat power which is on a down track.

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As of now, the Indian Air Force just has 33 fighter squadrons, which includes 11 obsolete MiG-21 and MiG-27 squadrons that are up for retirement. However, to safeguard the border from the evil intentions of China and Pakistan, IAF requires at least 42 jets.

The defence ministry is also considering a "multi-pronged strategy" so that it can up its airpower. This includes introducing the home-made light combat aircraft, called Tejas, and look out for a second line of producing fighter jets in the country, including the American F/A-18, F-16, and Swedish Gripen-E.

Talking of these 5th-generation fighters, the final R&D design contract is almost ready to be inked, for the Indian "perspective multi-role fighter", which is a variant of Sukhoi T-50 or PAK-FA, the Russian single-seat FGFA.

"Apart from resolving technical and cost issues, Russia has also agreed to allow IAF test pilots to fly its prototypes now," a source told TNN.

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The first contract was signed in 2007, which was then followed up in 2010 with a $295 million preliminary design contract.

The contract involves producing 127 such fighters in India would cost about $25 billion.

"The technical requirements should be finalised this year, with the contract being inked next year," said the source.

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