Russia has offered its 177S engine as part of India’s planned Super Sukhoi upgrade
Russia has offered India its advanced Izdeliye 177S engine for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet, Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik reported, as Moscow pushes a wider package of defence proposals during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi.
The offer comes as India and Russia discuss a major upgrade of nearly 260 Su-30MKIs under the estimated $11-billion “Super Sukhoi” programme. The initial upgrade is expected to cover 84 aircraft.
The 177S can deliver up to 14.5 tonnes of thrust and is reported to have a service life of up to 6,000 hours. Russia has also claimed that the engine can reduce fuel consumption by around 7 per cent across operating modes.
The engine has broadly similar dimensions and weight to the AL-31F/FP engines currently used by the Su-30MKI. This could make integration easier, although India would need to assess the technical requirements before taking a decision.
The Super Sukhoi upgrade is expected to include new AESA radars, modern avionics, improved electronic-warfare systems and new engines.
India already has an established industrial base for the Su-30MKI. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd manufactures AL-31FP engines under licence and is also involved in the aircraft’s production and overhaul.
More from BusinessRussia’s wider defence offer
The engine proposal is part of a broader Russian defence package. Moscow has also proposed joint production of Su-57 fifth-generation fighters in India, along with additional S-400 air-defence systems and the newer S-500 system.
Russia has also offered to establish an S-400 maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in India.
India is separately developing the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, but its first flight is not expected before 2029-30. The Su-57 proposal could therefore give New Delhi another option for adding a fifth-generation fighter capability while the AMCA programme progresses.
The two sides are also discussing the possible acquisition of around 300 Russian R-37M long-range air-to-air missiles.
For the Su-30MKI fleet, the 177S proposal could provide an engine upgrade alongside the wider Super Sukhoi programme, but any move would depend on technical evaluation, cost, technology transfer and the scope for local production.
