Indo-Russian defense cooperation
What fighter jet options is India currently considering from foreign suppliers?
India is currently evaluating two major fighter jet options from foreign suppliers. The United States is looking to sell India its F35s, while Russia is promoting its SU57 felon aircraft. According to Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, these two choices were prominently featured in a duel at the recent Bengaluru Aero Show. While both aircraft represent advanced stealth fighter technology, no formal agreement has been finalized yet. India is carefully weighing these options as part of its broader strategy to modernize its air force capabilities, even as it simultaneously develops its indigenous stealth fighter program.
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WION
00:58 - 01:20
How do the F35 and SU57 fighter jets compare in terms of specifications and advantages?
The F35 features a top speed of Mach 1.6, 1500km combat range, and costs $80-110 million per unit, with advanced avionics and an established global supply chain providing distinct advantages. In contrast, Russia's SU57 offers superior performance with Mach 2 speed and 1900km range at a significantly lower price point of $35-40 million dollars. This comparison comes as India considers its defense options while simultaneously developing its indigenous AMCA stealth fighter project, which aims to deliver seven squadrons by 2035. This advancement would place India among an elite group of nations with stealth aircraft capabilities.
Watch clip answer (00:54m)WION
01:21 - 02:15
What fighter jet options is India currently considering from the US and Russia?
India is currently evaluating two major fighter jet options from competing global powers. The United States is offering its advanced F35 fighter jet, while Russia is countering with its SU57 Felon aircraft. As indicated by Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, these proposals represent significant choices for India's military modernization strategy. This competition places New Delhi in a strategic position between two major defense suppliers, each offering different capabilities and advantages in terms of avionics, combat effectiveness, speed, and cost considerations. The decision will likely have important implications for India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) stealth fighter project and its broader position in the global defense landscape.
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WION
00:57 - 01:08
What is India's AMCA stealth fighter project and what are its goals?
India's indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) stealth fighter project aims to deliver seven squadrons by 2035. This ambitious initiative represents a significant advancement in India's military aviation capabilities, positioning the country to join an elite group of stealth aircraft manufacturers globally. The successful implementation of this project would place India alongside major military powers like the US, Russia, and China in advanced fighter jet development. The timing of this project is noteworthy as India also considers international options like the F35 and SU57 fighters.
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WION
01:58 - 02:15
What is India's response to President Trump's proposal to sell F35 fighter jets to India?
According to Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, India has not yet received any formal offer from the US regarding F35 fighter jets, despite President Trump's proposal during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Washington DC. Singh clarified that once a formal offer is made, India will evaluate it with an open mind. The Defense Secretary's statement indicates India's pragmatic approach to defense acquisitions, neither rejecting nor accepting the proposal prematurely. This stance allows India to carefully assess the strategic and technical merits of the F35 jets when an official proposal arrives.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)WION
00:00 - 00:29
What would be the strategic implications if India accepts Trump's offer of F-35 fighter jets, and would this shift India away from its traditional Russian defense partnerships?
According to Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Badur, accepting the F-35 offer would not significantly shift India away from Russia, which remains the dominant defense supplier across all three military branches - army, navy, and air force. The monetary value of Russian equipment far exceeds any single American purchase, and India's air force will continue operating French Mirages and British Jaguars alongside existing systems. However, the F-35 acquisition would create a strategic shift by placing more leverage in American hands, since the F-35 would become a frontline fighter for India. This presents both opportunities and challenges - while enhancing India's air capabilities with advanced stealth technology, it also creates potential integration issues with existing Russian systems. The key takeaway is that India must carefully balance its defense relationships, safeguarding national interests while navigating the complex geopolitics of international defense partnerships between major powers.
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WION
04:32 - 05:47