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New Delhi: The race for fighter planes in the world is no longer limited to just speed and weapons. Now the future of war revolves around Artificial Intelligence, drones and stealth technology. Meanwhile, Russia has started testing a new two-seater variant of its most advanced fighter jet Su-57.

The special thing is that this is the same concept which India wanted to develop with Russia many years ago. Now Russia has made an open proposal to India for technology transfer along with adding Indian weapons and systems to this aircraft.

Why is the new Su-57 special for India?

India has been in search of fifth generation fighter aircraft for a long time. At present, Russia’s Su-57 is being considered as the only option which India can acquire as per its needs. American F-35 is also seen as an option, but due to America’s strict conditions and global political equations, its purchase is not considered easy.

Russia has recently conducted taxi trials of the twin-seater model of Su-57. This is the same design in which two people can sit. The Indian Air Force had earlier also wanted the future fighter aircraft to have a pilot and a weapon system officer, just like the Su-30MKI.

Not just fighter jets, also ‘drone command centre’

The biggest feature of the new Su-57 is considered to be its multi-role capability. This aircraft will not be limited to just attacking the enemy, but will also be able to control many drones while in the air. According to defense experts, the officer sitting behind can handle responsibilities like drone operation, electronic warfare and mission control. That is, the pilot sitting in the front will focus on flying the aircraft and air combat, while the mission commander sitting at the back will give instructions to the drone swarm and unmanned aircraft. This type of technology is considered very important in modern warfare.

In the last few years, armies around the world have been working rapidly on MUM-T i.e. “Manned-Unmanned Teaming” technology. This means that along with a fighter aircraft, many drones will also participate in the mission and they will be controlled from the same aircraft. Russia, America and China are considering this technology as the biggest weapon of future war. China has already moved in this direction through its J-20S fighter jet. Now Russia is also busy strengthening this technology through Su-57.

Old FGFA program of India and Russia

India and Russia have previously worked together on FGFA i.e. Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft Programme. At that time, the Indian Air Force had specifically demanded a two-seater version so that there could be better coordination in long and complex missions. However, India later withdrew from this project. Concerns to cost increase, engine performance and technical partnership were considered to be the major reasons behind this.

Now Russia is once again trying to connect India with this project. According to reports, Russia has indicated that if India wishes, indigenous weapons, Indian avionics and other systems can also be included in the new version of Su-57. Along with this, the option of technology transfer has also been introduced.