India receives enticing fighter jet offers from both Russia and France. Russia has boosted its Su-57E offer from 60 to 126 aircrafts, potentially rivaling Rafale. Meanwhile, France has offered both the Rafale and the Safran M88-4 engine for the Tejas Mk-2, an alternative to the GE F414. These offers are poised to impact both the MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) tender and the Tejas program.
Russia stakes heavily on the Su-57E, claiming it as superior to the Rafale F4. The offer includes:
Quantity and Price: 126 aircraft at a unit cost of $80 million (about 670 crores INR), more than covering MRFA's 114 plane budget.
Technology Transfer: Complete source code, 70-80% localization (production in HAL Nashik), integration of Indian weapons (Astra, Rudram), and export rights.
Capabilities: 5th Generation stealth, internal weapon bay, supermaneuverability, open architecture. Range of 3500 km, speed Mach 2, payload of up to 10 tons.
Benefits: Cost-effective, free upgrades, compatible with Su-30MKI. To be showcased at Aero India 2025.
Drawbacks: Su-57's stealth radar cross-section (RCS) is 0.1-1 m², higher than that of the F-35 at 0.001 m², engine AL-41F1S (147 kN thrust, yet immature). Sanctions cause delivery delays. IAF desires 5th generation, but Su-57 resembles '4++' gen.
Russia's offer can alter MRFA, but the Ukraine conflict questions Russia's reliability.
Source: aajtak
France's 'treasure' offer includes Rafale F4 and Tejas Mk-2 engine. Highlights:
Rafale F4: 114 jets via G2G deal, priced at $120 million each (about 1,000 crores INR). 60% localization, paid upgrades. Previously, 36 Rafale F3-R (2016) and 26 Rafale M (navy) were successful.
Capabilities: 4.5 Generation, AESA radar, Meteor missiles, range of 3700 km, speed Mach 1.8, payload of 9.5 tons. Proven in Operation Sindhur, 2025. F4 offers improved sensors, stealth.
Safran M88-4 engine (for Tejas Mk-2): An alternative to GE F414 (98 kN thrust), M88-4 delivers 95-105 kN. Plug-and-play (fewer design changes), ToT package. Tejas Mk-2's first flight in 2026 with F414, later shift to M88-4. Proposal for AMCA's 120 kN engine.
Benefits: Proven technology (Rafale with 500+ flights), strong ties with France, export potential (M88 to European markets). GE delays (F404 delivery late) present a backup.
Drawbacks: Expensive, costly upgrades, no 100% ToT. M88-4's development to take 2-3 years, posing delay risks.
Source: aajtak
While France boosts 'Make in India', dependence remains high.
Su-57 is suitable if: Seeking cost-effective 5th Generation, wanting more independence. However, stealth is less, engine immature.
Rafale is preferable if: Needing immediate deployment, proven performance. M88-4 aids Tejas Mk-2's self-sufficiency.
Russia's offer appears affordable and stealthy, yet risky. France's package offers reliability and long-term benefits. Given the IAF's need for 5th Gen (AMCA), Rafale + M88-4 emerges as a better choice. The final decision lies with the Defense Ministry but will focus on self-reliance and cost.
