Sukhoi/HAL FGFA: News

Looking to cut costs and prune military imports, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has halved its demand for Russian-built fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA).It now wants just three squadrons of the fighter jets which are to be inducted into the Russian Air Force in 2016.

Sources say the IAF has scaled down its needs and now indicated that just three squadrons (around 18 planes in each), besides a few more for training of the pilots, will be enough for now. This works out to be 65 planes, almost half from the earlier projection of 127 FGFAs to be jointly designed and produced by India and Russia.The T-50 has been built for the Russians under the PAK-FA (Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation) programme for the fifth generation fighter aircraft.

A plane will cost $100 million (Rs 650 crore). Three squadrons are the projection of an off-the-shelf deal India is pressing its military ally for immediate delivery of the planes.New Delhi has suggested to Moscow that the T-50 fighter jet can be supplied to the IAF, while the research to improve upon the aircraft can carry on simultaneously. The Tribune had first reported about India’s offer on February 24 this year.

Simultaneously, the IAF is also working on a $11 billion R&D contract for long-term development of the jet. It is pending ratification since 2013. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on August 4, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the preliminary design stage of the fifth generation fighter aircraft programme completed in June 2013.

“The expenditure incurred so far is Rs 1,483.15 crore,” Parrikar said. The next stage of development of the fifth generation fighter aircraft will commence after signing of the R&D contract.The problem is in case India opts for the R&D contract route, the deliveries are envisaged to commence 94 months – eight years. The next best option is to go for an immediate off-the-shelf purchase and in case the research-and-development contract works out, more jets can be produced here.

With a dwindling fleet of fighter jets, this wait is not an option for the IAF, said sources. By the end of this year, the IAF would be at its lowest combat strength in more than a decade. It will be down to 32 squadrons by the end of this year and in the middle of a predicted shortage.

In a nutshell, the IAF with 576 fighter jets will be well short of the 750-strong fighter jet fleet mandated by a government sanction to wage a simultaneous two-front war with Pakistan and China.The pruning down of numbers has been done as the IAF is backing its own options of getting French-origin Rafale jets and the remaining batch of 72 Sukhoi-30 MKI jets from Russia, sources say.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to France in April this year announced the intent to get 36 Rafale jets. A cost negotiation committee is in talks with the French company and the numbers could go beyond the announced 36 as the IAF has projected a demand for 80 Rafale-type planes.


http://idrw.org/iaf-cut-orders-for-5th-gen-fgfa-by-half-down-to-only-65-aircrafts/

Pinto wrote:A plane will cost $100 million (Rs 650 crore). Three squadrons are the projection of an off-the-shelf deal India is pressing its military ally for immediate delivery of the planes. New Delhi has suggested to Moscow that the T-50 fighter jet can be supplied to the IAF, while the research to improve upon the aircraft can carry on simultaneously. The Tribune had first reported about India’s offer on February 24 this year.

I can understand why IAF need these birds so urgently.
And can't blame them for pressuring Moscow since it is many years delay from original plan (LRIP 2013, full production 2015, Indian 2-seat variant 2017).

But I don't think following F-35 path (purchased it while not complete testing) is a good idea.

Almost certainly crap. Rumors mean nothing in defense industry, only cold facts.

India big country. general politiks side the west
I think pay to talk bad.

India reject 120+ mrca. only FGFA future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia in November likely will see some possible deal on Russian-built fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) which has been pending for final agreement Since 2009.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar recently informed parliamentarians that India already has invested 1,483.15 crore ($295 million ) on the preliminary design stage of the fifth generation fighter aircraft programme which was completed in June 2013.

Indian negotiation team have asked Ministry of Defence to request Russia to deliver 3 T-50 prototypes and order few Russian Production variant of Pak-fa While India still works on R&D contract for Indian Customized FGFA variant.

IAF likely will suggest Ministry of Defence to order 65 Pak-fa to be purchased off the shelf when the aircraft will enter mass production in 2017 in 2017. but Defence Analyst believe order for Pak-fa will be much smaller then IAF’s request of 65 aircrafts so that bulk of 5th generation fighter jets are produced in India under Prime minister Modi’s ” Make in India ” initiative at Ozar facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) .

India Airforce team already have watched Pak-Fa aircraft up close in Russia in last few years and soon Indian test pilots will get a chance to test fly one of the T-50 Prototype soon in Russia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to France in April this year announced the intent to get 36 Rafale jets and many Defence Analysts are also expecting similar off the shelf purchase order for Pak-fa while research-and-development contract works out, more jets can be developed as per IAF customization in India at the later date.

IAF has requirement of 144 Russian developed 5th generation fighter jet, but due to rapid fall in aircraft fleet strength due to retirement of many fighter jets, IAF had requested purchase of 60 Rafale fighter jet and 65 Pak-fa fighter jets off the shelf from respected vendors to slow down rapid decline in squadron strength, which will be at all time low of 32 squadrons by the end of this year.

http://idrw.org/will-russia-get-paris-like-deal-for-pak-fa-during-modis-november-visit/

Late last year, a defence ministry delegation to Sukhoi’s flagship aircraft facility in Siberia became the first Indians to set eyes upon the next-generation fighter that is slated to form the backbone of the future Indian Air Force (IAF). In that first meeting, carefully choreographed by Sukhoi, the new fighter, standing on the tarmac waved a welcome to the Indians, moving all its control fins simultaneously.

The effect, recounts one member of that delegation, was electric. The senior IAF officer there walked silently up to the aircraft and touched it almost incredulously. This was the Sukhoi T-50, the first technology demonstrator of what India terms the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). Senior defence ministry sources tell Business Standard that — after five years of haggling over the FGFA’s form, capabilities and work-share — a detailed contract on joint development is just around the corner.

The contract, which Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will sign with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), will commit to building 250 fighters for the IAF and an equal number for Russia. The option for further orders will be kept open. HAL and UAC will be equal partners in a joint venture company, much like the Brahmos JV, that will develop and manufacture the FGFA.

The cost of developing the FGFA, which would be shared between both countries, will be $8-10 billion (Rs 37,000-45,000 crore). Over and above that, say IAF and defence ministry sources, each FGFA will cost Rs 400-500 crore.

Sukhoi’s FGFA prototype, which is expected to make its first flight within weeks, is a true stealth aircraft, almost invisible to enemy radar. According to a defence ministry official, “It is an amazing looking aircraft. It has a Radar Cross Section (RCS) of just 0.5 square metre as compared to the Su-30MKI’s RCS of about 20 square metres.”

[That means that while a Su-30MKI would be as visible to enemy radar as a metal object 5 metres X 4 metres in dimension, the FGFA’s radar signature would be just 1/40th of that.]

A key strength of the 30-35 tonne FGFA would be data fusion; the myriad inputs from the fighter’s infrared, radar, and visual sensors would be electronically combined and fed to the pilots in easy-to-read form.

The FGFA partnership was conceived a decade ago, in 2000, when Sukhoi’s celebrated chief, Mikhail Pogosyan, invited a visiting Indian Air Force officer out to dinner in Moscow. Boris Yeltsin’s disastrous presidency had just ended, and Russia’s near bankruptcy was reflected in the run-down condition of a once-famous restaurant. But, as the IAF officer recounts, the vodka was flowing and Pogosyan was in his element, a string of jokes translated by a female interpreter.

Late that evening Pogosyan turned serious, switching the conversation to a secret project that, officially, did not even exist. Sukhoi, he confided to the IAF officer, had completed the design of a fifth generation fighter, as advanced as America’s F-22 Raptor, which is still the world’s foremost fighter. Russia’s economy was in tatters, but Sukhoi would develop its new, high-tech fighter if India partnered Russia, sharing the costs of developing the fighter at Sukhoi’s plant, Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Organisation (KnAAPO).

Reaching out to India was logical for Russia. During the 1990s — when thousands of Russian military design bureaus starved for funds, and a bankrupt Moscow cancelled 1,149 R&D projects — India’s defence purchases had kept Russia’s defence industry alive, bankrolling the development of the Sukhoi-30 fighter; the Talwar-class stealth frigates; the Uran and Klub ship-borne missiles; and the MiG-21 upgrade.

But co-developing a fifth generation fighter is a different ball game, financially and technologically, and India’s MoD hesitated to sign up. Meanwhile enriched by hydrocarbon revenues, Moscow gave Sukhoi the green light to develop the FGFA, which Russia terms the PAK-FA, the acronym for Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Frontovoi Aviatsy (literally Prospective Aircraft Complex of Frontline Aviation).

Today, Russia is five years into the development of the FGFA. In November 2007, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement on co-developing the fighter, but it has taken two more years to agree upon common specifications, work shares in development, and in resolving issues like Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

The prototype that Sukhoi has built is tailored to Russian Air Force requirements. But the IAF has different specifications and the JV will cater for both air forces, producing two different, but closely related, aircraft. For example, Russia wants a single-seat fighter; the IAF, happy with the Su-30MKI, insists upon a twin-seat fighter with one pilot flying and the other handling the sensors, networks and weaponry.

Negotiations have resolved even this fundamental conflict. India has agreed to buy a mix of about 50 single-seat and 200 twin-seat aircraft. Russia, in turn, will consider buying more twin-seat aircraft to use as trainers. But even as both countries narrow their differences, fresh challenges lie ahead: preparing India’s nascent aerospace industry for the high-tech job of developing and manufacturing a fifth-generation fighter.

(This is the first of a two-part series on the IAF’s fifth-generation fighter)

(Part II: FGFA negotiating hardball: Russia says India brings little to the table)

NEW DELHI: Ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow in December, India has asked Russia to allow IAF test pilots to fly its fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) to evaluate its capabilities.

"Flight-testing will help decide the way forward on the collaboration between the two countries on the FGFA. All options, ranging from an off-the-shelf purchase of 60-65 jets to joint production, are on the table," said a top defence ministry official on Friday.

The fact that India needs an FGFA, which combines stealth, super-cruise capability, super-maneuverability, data fusion and multi-sensor integration on a single fighter, in the years ahead cannot be disputed.

For a country that is yet to even make its first indigenous fighter (the fourth-generation Tejas) fully-operational, the choice is limited. While the F/A-22 'Raptor' of the US is the world's only fully-operational FGFA as of now, the Russian Sukhoi T-50 and the American F-35 'Lightning-II' Joint Strike Fighter are the ones undergoing final developmental tests.

But having repeatedly rejected the FGFA overtures made by the US, India was slated to seal the project to co-develop and co-produce the Sukhoi T-50 with Russia at least three years ago.

It was after all way back in 2007 that the Indo-Russian inter-governmental agreement for the FGFA was inked. It was followed by the $295 million preliminary design contract in December 2010.

India, along the way, also slashed its requirement from the original 166 single-seat and 48 twin-seat fighters to just 127 single-seat jets. The overall FGFA project cost for making all the 127 fighters in India was pegged at around $25 billion.

But technical, cost and delivery time frame wrangles have kept the final design contract — under which both sides were to chip in an initial $5.5 billion each for prototype development and infrastructure - far away from being inked till now. "The off-the-shelf purchase is being considered since the final R&D contract may take more time," said the source.

A cash-starved Russia, which is now cranking up its arms sales to Pakistan much to India's discomfiture, hopes Modi's visit will break the logjam on the FGFA. India, in turn, wants Russia to "compress" the delivery timeframe to around 36 months from the original 94 months, as was first reported by TOI.

All this comes in the backdrop of the Modi government scrapping the deadlocked $20 billion MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) project with France for 126 Rafale fighters (108 of which were to be made in India) earlier this year. Instead, the Modi-Hollande summit in April decided that India would buy 36 Rafales in a direct acquisition deal with France.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Let-IAF-test-fly-5th-Gen-fighters-Russia-told/articleshow/48930959.cms

sepheronx wrote:Cash starved Russia? Are Indian journalists stupid?  Russia's trade balance is still in the +.  Is India's?

Indian journalism is very spicy and full of self back patting now a days

Pinto wrote:Indian journalism is very spicy and full of self back patting now a days

West pay the India writer talk bad

PublishedSeptember 13, 2015 | Byadmin

As China inches ahead with the flight testing of its first fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighters, India is reportedly mulling over the option of making better of its rock-steady friendship with Russia by buying its off-the-shelf Sukhoi T-50 (also known as PAK FA) stealth fighter.

A recent report in the Economic Times quoted a top official of ministry of defence as saying that India has kept all the options on the table. That includes possibility of India buying about 60-65 jets off-the-shelf to joint production of the most advanced stealth fighter jet in Russian aircraft inventory.

The official also suggested the possibility of Indian Air Force pilots flight-testing the Russian stealth bomber as it hopes to break the logjam involved with the Indo-Russian collaboration on fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) project and to assess the capabilities of the new jet ahead of the state visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Moscow in December 2015.

With India foreseeing the induction of these advanced stealth jets by 2020, there has been no much movement on the FGFA programme since it was inked in 2007. Originally, India was expected to have about 200 jets, which later came down to 127. A recent report in The Tribune pointed towards India cutting it down to 65 jets or 3 squadrons strong.

Sukhoi PAK FA T-50 is comparable with American F-22 ‘Raptor’ in many parameters. Indian Air Force is in need of one such aircraft that combines stealth, ability to super-cruise, super-manoeuvrability, combat avionics and integration of multi-sensors.

Since the FGFA programme will take time to take off, buying T-50 stealth jets will be a stopgap arrangement, giving the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) time to test and manufacture the aircraft in India. India is seeking 43 improvements in T-50 suiting Indian conditions.

Additionally, with the US and Europe imposing sanctions on Russia over its alleged involvement in Ukraine crisis, Moscow is reportedly looking to “compress” the delivery time from the initial 94 months to 36 months.

This comes as India has scrapped its MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) project and opted for only 36 Rafale fighter jets from France through the government-to-government route. India is still struggling to get the indigenous fourth generation fighter aircraft, Tejas LCA fully operational.

Meanwhile, India is reportedly looking for collaborating with Russian companies in modernising its SU-30MKI aircraft (NATO reporting name, Flanker-H), the most advanced multirole air superiority fighters with the IAF.

This also follows recommendation by the Russian defence ministry to make upgrades to its fleet of SU-30SM aircraft. The upgraded aircraft will be featuring improved avionics, radar and engines.

Russia has shared a special place with India, apart from being its special strategic partner, though recent media reports suggested that Russia was endearing itself to the Pakistan Army and the civilian government.

Reports suggested the possibility of it exporting its latest Su-35 fighter jets after having agreed to sell multirole Mi-35M attack helicopters. But a recent statement from the Russian embassy has cleared doubts of the country taking decisions that are detrimental to the security and safety of India.

“Time and again, the Russian leaders have stated at the highest level that Russia will never take any steps detrimental to the security and safety of our special and privileged strategic partner? India, or the security structure in the South Asian region, or any other region for that matter,” the statement said, reported PTI

“This assurance is fully valid today as it was valid yesterday. This is the guideline of our President’s foreign policy concept,” it said.

“As regards the newspaper report from Nizhni Tagil, it is a sheer case of overstatement by the agency, on the one hand, and of overreaction by a section of the Indian media, – on the other,” it added.

According to estimates provided by the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Russia delivered $4.7 billion worth of weapons and military hardware to India in 2014.

“Prior to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s December visit to Moscow, we would like Russia to allow Indian Air Force test pilots the opportunity to test the fifth generation PAK FA in flight. We are now examining all options for collaborating in this project – from joint production to direct purchase of 60-65 airplanes from Russia. To make a final decision we would like to know its flying and technical characteristics in practice,” a source from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) told the Economic Times, reports TASS.


The source also commented that “India, without a doubt, needs a fifth generation fighter that combines all modern technologies and improvements such as stealth, high maneuverability, speed, and also reserve characteristics “for the future”.

According to the MOD representative, an alternative to the Russian T-50 could be the American F-35, which is also undergoing final tests. “However, India has often ignored hints from the USA regarding the possible delivery of this aircraft”, the representative said.

In 2007 Russia and India concluded an inter-governmental agreement for joint production of the T-50. In December 2010, India earmarked $295 million for the project.

“However, three years ago, India slowed down the project, reducing its original order for 166 single-seater and 48 two-seater fighters to 127 single-seater PAK FAs,” said the military official. However, the total cost of the PAK FA for India is about $25 billion for supply of all 127 aircraft”.


FGFA story: Tale of an aircraft

“The agreement on the technical details, costs and supply schedule for the fighters might further delay the signing of a final contract for the joint production of the PAK FA, by which both parties must provide $5.5 billion” he said. “For this reason, India is examining the possibility of purchasing ready-made fighters from Russia in order to receive them more quickly”.

The Indian MOD commented that it had high hopes that the PM’s visit to Moscow would stimulate talks on the PAK FA in the interests of both countries. “Russia will receive a serious financial windfall, and India expects that should a direct purchase be made of fifth generation fighters, then it would be possible to reduce the initial time of 94 months to 36 months, which is critically important for the country’s air force, which is starved of technical aviation”, commented the military expert.

India said on August 12, it might purchase three squadrons of ready Russian fifth generation T-50 fighters, instead of constructing 127 similar aircraft with Russia. India does intend to build its own fifth generation fighter.

First published in Russian by Vzglyad.

Russian government has confirmed that they have received a request from the Indian authorities for allowing IAF pilots to fly the T-50/PAK FA, before New Delhi decides to join the FGFAs development or decides to make an outright purchase.

An official reaction from the Russian Embassy states, “[W]e may confirm that the request was forwarded by the Indian side to the Russian partners. It is now under consideration.”

The option about making an outright purchase of yet undisclosed number of the FGFA is reportedly being thought of in lines with the way Narendra Modi decided to buy the Rafales. Modi is scheduled to visit Moscow in December next.

Retired Air Marshal and former vice chief of air staff, Pranob K Barbora recalls how the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in 2001 when then External Affairs Minister, Jaswant Singh, visited Moscow and a much younger Barbora was the air attaché.

He told Defenseworld “Despite our best attempts to have our pilots undertaking ‘proving flights’ of the MiG-21 BIS and Su-30 MKI, we could not have the Russians to agree to it.” This time the effort is again being made to do the same.

The research and development contract signed by the erstwhile UPA government has costed the country $ 400 million. And sources say, since then the price of the aircraft, being used by the Russian Air Force has shot up substantially.

Next stage of the contracting process, the signing of the joint development agreement, is being held back, while the Modi government is yet to decide the exact path it should take.

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/14093/Russia_Confirms_Indian_Request_To_Test_Fly_T_50_Stealth_Fighter#.VfxKg1anKkV

sepheronx wrote:This may be the best option for Russia - Sell PAK FA's to India rather than building FGFA's.  And then allow India (depending on how many they purchase) to build certain things for the PAK FA and then that could bypass the whole FGFA as it is.  Maybe get Irkutsk involved to make a dual seater variant.

Yes India will buy more then 3 squadron off the shelf as Russian version because of Rafale fiasco as still the deal for 36 aircrafts is no where near to be signed before December

India can buy Russian version first ready made and later modifications can be made which in any case this aircraft will go many upgrades in its life

well this is what India needs and there is going to be final deal regarding this in November end in annual summit with President Putin. IAF strength is going down fast as in next few months some 100's of MIG 27 and MIG 21 ate due to be retired. Lets see when Russia allows India to have test drive o this aircraft

This is the reason numbers of rafales has been reduced substantially to make PAKfa purchases at faster pace in ready made conditions. This is going to be much wiser decision then to waste time on buying white elephant RAFALE

Sukhoi PAK-FA fifth-generation fighter jet is finalizing tests of its versatile arsenal before deployment next year. Russia’s Air Force chief says there will be no such target on the scene of operations that the fighter would not be able to engage.



When compared to American F-22 or F-35 5G fighter jets, Sukhoi PAK-FA (T-50) is going to “outperform them in all technical aspects,” the commander of the Russian Air Forces, Lieutenant General Viktor Bondarev said on Thursday.

The PAK-FA fighter jet is going to be truly multirole, being able to equally engage targets “on the ground, in the air and on the sea,” he said, confirming that in 2016 the Air Force will first get the aircraft, then in 2017 the PAK-FA will go into serial production.


http://www.rt.com/news/262657-pakfa-better-us-5g/


With the cutting-edge equipment installed on already manufactured machines, there are more features in development to be integrated into the fighter’s systems on later stages, said Bondarev, mentioning “practical stealth” program being applied in the PAK-FA’s development.

Earlier this week Vladimir Mikheev, an advisor to the deputy head of the Radioelectronic Technologies Concern [KRET], said that the Sukhoi PAK-FA fighter jet is “already to some degree a flying robot,” where “the reaction of the aviator is a part of the control loop.”

READ MORE: Russia’s new T-50 fighter jet ‘almost a flying robot’ – developer

He also said that PAK-FA is going to be less observable on radars than generally recognized American stealth trendsetter, the F-22 fighter jet.

“The T-50 is now ahead of not only all other fighters of the Russian Army, but also foreign models. For example, the visibility of the American fifth-generation F-22 fighter is 0.3-0.4 square meters," the developer stressed.

The Sukhoi PAK FA’s visibility stands at between 0.1 and 1 square meters, KRET added.

The US military officials have expressed a certain concern in regards of the upcoming Russian 5G fighter jet.

“Performance-wise it certainly looks to compete with the Raptor,” The National Interest cited senior US military official comparing the F-22 and PAK-FA.

Last year, former US Air Force intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Dave Deptula commented to the National Interest that PAK-FA has “pretty sophisticated design that is at least equal to, and some have said even superior to US fifth-generation aircraft.”

READ MORE: India ready to spend $25bn on Russian 5G fighter jets

The National Interest named PAK-FA “an air superiority fighter, rather than a multi-role aircraft like the F-35,” putting the capability to cruise supersonically ahead other features.

According to Bondarev, which mentioned that PAK-FA’s top speed exceeds Mach 2.0, other features are decisive for modern fighter jet, which are “low-signature, [wide variety of] armament and [super]maneuverability.”

The Russian Air Force plans to purchase 55 T-50 fighter jets between 2016 and 2020, was reported in December.

Tu-160 strategic bomber back into production, PAK-DA in design
Russia’s commander-in chief, President Vladimir Putin, and Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu have approved return to production of the Soviet strategic bomber Tupolev Tu-160, the world’s largest combat aircraft.


The aircraft is going to be produced in modernized version and in order to repay expenditures, “no less that 50 machines will eventually be produced,” Bondarev said.

There are 16 Tu-160 strategic bombers currently operable in Russia, that’s all that is left of 60+ planes produced in the USSR.

After the fall of the Soviet Union most Tu-160s were left in Ukraine, where they were destroyed under a US-financed program.

Bondarev stressed that production of modernized Tu-160M aircraft would not interfere with development of PAK-DA (Perspective Air Complex of Long-Range Aviation) strategic bomber.

READ MORE: Russia to deploy fifth-gen fighters, S-500 missiles in 2016

In August 2014, the general confirmed that the Air Forces expect the Tupolev Corporation to produce first prototypes of PAK-DA by the end of the decade and launch series production in 2021-2022.

Russia, India Finalizing Deal on PAK FA Fifth-Generation Jets

During the upcoming annual Indo-Russian summit, an agreement is expected to be inked on the delivery of Sukhoi T-50 (PAK FA) fighter jets to India under the joint FGFA initiative, The Financial Express reported citing a senior military official.

The fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) programme is based on the Russian-made Sukhoi T-50 aircraft. It involves Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

According to the source, the agreement will include a fixed order for 154 jets, work share and a commitment to the number of single-seat and double-seat aircraft.

"Given the current situation, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) is in deep trouble due to its fast depleting force structure, the Indian government will need to take well thought out decision with long-term and strategic foresight. There is no doubt that the PAK-FA (Sukhoi Design Proposal) will be emerge as a major FGFA in the world. Hence, it would be better for India to take a reality check on the FGFA and recalibrate its position," the source told The Financial Times.

In January, it was reported that Russia and India agreed on the project of the FGFA jet fighter. In February, Russia’s Rosoboronexport said all technical details had been settled, and the commercial part of the deal was in discussion.

The Sukhoi/HAL project is meant to radically upgrade India's air strength through the combination of Russian expertise and Indian financing.

Russia’s fifth-generation Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA fighter jet, known in India as FGFA, is equipped with an advanced defense system that can neutralize an enemy plane’s stealth capability.

According to Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, the two countries have already injected about 230 million dollars into the FGFA project, which is based on the development of the T-50 aircraft.

The FGFA, which is expected to be armed with weapons of Indian origin, will fly at a speed of 2,300 kilometers per hour and will have a range of 3,800 kilometers.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/military/20151026/1029113644/russia-india-fifth-generation-jet-project.html#ixzz3pg66apZd

http://russia-insider.com/en/business/russia-close-massive-deal-supply-5th-generation-fighters-india/ri10943


India is close to signing on to a $35 billion deal to buy 154 Russian-made PAK FA T-50 fighters - some of which would be assembled in India

A collaboration contract for joint work and delivery of 154 Perspective Multirole Fighter (PMF), the derivative Indian version of the PAK FA T-50 fifth generation fighter jet, is expected to finally be signed during the Indo-Russian summit this December, The Financial Express reports.

The agreement, which already was supposed to have been signed this July, includes a fixed order of 154 aircraft, a definite work share commitment, and a detailed order of the number of single- versus double-seat PMF (aka Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) fighter planes. According to the draft agreement, the aircraft will be built in India, but all of the components will be manufactured in Russia.

Additionally, the contract will likely include specifications regarding the 40 changes that the Indian Air Force (IAF) wants in comparison to the current T-50 prototype such as the aircraft’s AL-41F1 engine and its stealth and weapon-carrying capability.

As I reported previously (See: “What’s the Status of the Indian-Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Jet?”), in early 2007 India and Russia agreed to jointly develop a fifth generation fighter jet. Unfortunately, the program has been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and unsteady technology; which, among other things,  has affected the IAF’s plan to increase the number of combat squadrons from currently 32 (some sources say 35) to 42 by 2027 (See: “India’s Air Force Will Field 42 Combat Squadrons by 2027”).

As a result, according to a senior official in the Indian Ministry of Defense quoted by The Financial Express, the Indian government might need to reevaluate its negotiation position vis-à-vis Russia when it comes to details of the contract:


Given the current situation, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) is in deep trouble due to its fast depleting force structure, the Indian government will need to take well thought out decision with long-term and strategic foresight. There is no doubt that the PAK-FA (Sukhoi Design Proposal) will be emerge as a major FGFA in the world. Hence, it would be better for India to take a reality check on the FGFA and recalibrate its position.
Speaking to The Financial Express, retired Air Marshall M. Matheswaran provided some additional background info on the FGFA program:

The origins of FGFA proposals go back to 2002, when it was suggested by the Russians for an inter-governmental program. Given the urgency of its requirement for the badly-depleted Russian Air Force and the need for financial investment to cover the huge cost of the program, Russia hoped to address it through India as its partner. Besides, a huge order from the IAF would retain continuity in India-Russia military aircraft production relationship and help the Russian aircraft industry.

In the meantime, many things have happened. The IAF has downsized its requirement to just 64 aircraft as off-the shelf buy. Discussions on costs and role in non-existent design and development have resulted in a messy situation. The defense minister will have a tough call to make.
The Russian Air Force is slated to receive its first batch of PAK FA T-50 fifth generation fighter jets by late 2016 or early 2017. However, the current head of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, is not counting on the successful completion of the Indo-Russian project:

If the FGFA comes through it is fine, otherwise the Indian FGFA — that is the AMCA, the advanced medium combat aircraft — we still have over 15 years to work on it before the MiG-29 upgraded aircraft retire, before the Mirage 2000 upgraded ones retire, as well as Jaguar upgraded ones retire in another 15 years.

Both countries have already invested around $230 million into the program. If the $35 billion deal is signed, it would be one of India’s most expensive defense procurement programs ever.

Pinto wrote:http://russia-insider.com/en/business/russia-close-massive-deal-supply-5th-generation-fighters-india/ri10943


India is close to signing on to a $35 billion deal to buy 154 Russian-made PAK FA T-50 fighters - some of which would be assembled in India

A collaboration contract for joint work and delivery of 154 Perspective Multirole Fighter (PMF), the derivative Indian version of the PAK FA T-50 fifth generation fighter jet, is expected to finally be signed during the Indo-Russian summit this December, The Financial Express reports.

The agreement, which already was supposed to have been signed this July, includes a fixed order of 154 aircraft, a definite work share commitment, and a detailed order of the number of single- versus double-seat PMF (aka Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) fighter planes. According to the draft agreement, the aircraft will be built in India, but all of the components will be manufactured in Russia.

Additionally, the contract will likely include specifications regarding the 40 changes that the Indian Air Force (IAF) wants in comparison to the current T-50 prototype such as the aircraft’s AL-41F1 engine and its stealth and weapon-carrying capability.

As I reported previously (See: “What’s the Status of the Indian-Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Jet?”), in early 2007 India and Russia agreed to jointly develop a fifth generation fighter jet. Unfortunately, the program has been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and unsteady technology; which, among other things,  has affected the IAF’s plan to increase the number of combat squadrons from currently 32 (some sources say 35) to 42 by 2027 (See: “India’s Air Force Will Field 42 Combat Squadrons by 2027”).

As a result, according to a senior official in the Indian Ministry of Defense quoted by The Financial Express, the Indian government might need to reevaluate its negotiation position vis-à-vis Russia when it comes to details of the contract:


Given the current situation, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) is in deep trouble due to its fast depleting force structure, the Indian government will need to take well thought out decision with long-term and strategic foresight. There is no doubt that the PAK-FA (Sukhoi Design Proposal) will be emerge as a major FGFA in the world. Hence, it would be better for India to take a reality check on the FGFA and recalibrate its position.
Speaking to The Financial Express, retired Air Marshall M. Matheswaran provided some additional background info on the FGFA program:

The origins of FGFA proposals go back to 2002, when it was suggested by the Russians for an inter-governmental program. Given the urgency of its requirement for the badly-depleted Russian Air Force and the need for financial investment to cover the huge cost of the program, Russia hoped to address it through India as its partner. Besides, a huge order from the IAF would retain continuity in India-Russia military aircraft production relationship and help the Russian aircraft industry.

In the meantime, many things have happened. The IAF has downsized its requirement to just 64 aircraft as off-the shelf buy. Discussions on costs and role in non-existent design and development have resulted in a messy situation. The defense minister will have a tough call to make.

The Russian Air Force is slated to receive its first batch of PAK FA T-50 fifth generation fighter jets by late 2016 or early 2017. However, the current head of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, is not counting on the successful completion of the Indo-Russian project:
If the FGFA comes through it is fine, otherwise the Indian FGFA — that is the AMCA, the advanced medium combat aircraft — we still have over 15 years to work on it before the MiG-29 upgraded aircraft retire, before the Mirage 2000 upgraded ones retire, as well as Jaguar upgraded ones retire in another 15 years.

Both countries have already invested around $230 million into the program. If the $35 billion deal is signed, it would be one of India’s most expensive defense procurement programs ever.

What, India didn't agree to anything in 2007, negotiations had started, but nothing was agreed to, it wasn't until Dec 2010 when an agreement was signed.

Ooh wright, the AMCA is gonna be ready before the FGFA, in what twilight zone is that guy living in, have they forgotten how long it took the Tejas.

Personally i don't think this FGFA deal taking off soon thats why IAF has asked govt for the 60 plus T50 off the shelf buy off and later the indian specifications might be added and then only after 2020 the india's need specified FGFA will take shape and will finally be inducted in large numbers

my take 2 cents

Pinto wrote:Personally i don't think this FGFA deal taking off soon thats why IAF has asked govt for the 60 plus T50 off the shelf buy off and later the indian specifications might be added and then only after 2020 the india's need specified FGFA will take shape and will finally be inducted in large numbers

my take 2 cents

Although it's not taking off soon it's still on the schedule that was agreed upon in 2012, these talks of delays still baffle me.

And why after 2020, that doesn't make sense, by 2020 the FGFA will be produced up to Indian specs, hell, that's the entire point of the FGFA.
We've discussed this:
https://www.russiadefence.net/t2679p300-russia-india-military-contracts

Anyway, buying of shelf is still faster then AMCA, and from that article it looks like they'll be assembled in India, which will greatly accelerate the transition to FGFA later on.