Russia proposes $11B 'Super Sukhoi' upgrade for India's Su-30MKI fleet
Russia wants India to boost its Su-30MKI fighter jets with the advanced Izdeliye 177S engine, as part of an estimated $11 billion "Super Sukhoi" upgrade.
The plan is to modernize nearly 260 jets, starting with 84 getting new radars, avionics, and electronic warfare tech, making them smarter and more efficient.
Izdeliye 177S: 14.5-tonne thrust, easier integration
The Izdeliye 177S packs more power (14.5 tons of thrust), lasts longer (up to 6,000 hours), and uses less fuel than the current engines.
Since it's about the same size and weight as existing engines, swapping them could make integration easier.
Russia offers Su-57 co-build and S-400/S-500
Russia isn't stopping at engines. They've also offered to co-build next-generation Su-57 fighters with India, supply additional S-400 and S-500 air-defense systems, and set up a local maintenance facility for S-400s.
All these moves are meant to help India level up its air force alongside its own AMCA program, whose first flight is expected around 2029-30.