Defence

Russian Su-57 Fighter Secures First International Sale at Zhuhai Airshow

Russia made a stunning impression at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, one of the world’s premier aviation events.

Amid dazzling aerobatic displays and cutting-edge aircraft unveilings, the spotlight fell on Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, the nation’s most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter.

Making its international debut, the Su-57 not only wowed attendees with its futuristic design and unparalleled capabilities but also secured its first-ever export contract, marking a historic milestone for Russia’s defense industry.

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The Su-57’s debut, however, wasn’t without fierce competition. China’s J-35 stealth fighter captivated attendees and emerged as the showstopper of the event. su-57 vs f-22 Yet, the Felon managed to maintain the spotlight with the groundbreaking announcement of its first international buyer—though Russia has chosen to keep the purchaser’s identity a closely guarded secret.

State arms exporter Rosoboronexport confirmed the sale during the airshow. CEO Alexander Mikheev shared with Russian media that the Su-57 has officially entered the global market with signed contracts, sparking intense curiosity about the mysterious client.

“The military-technical sector should introduce new types of weapons and military equipment to the market. We’ve already signed contracts for the Su-57,” Mikheev stated during an interview with the Russia-1 TV channel.

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This development comes as negotiations with other potential buyers are reportedly in advanced stages. Countries like Egypt and Vietnam have previously shown interest in acquiring advanced Russian military hardware, adding to speculation about the identity of the new Su-57 operator.

While details of the contract, including the number of aircraft purchased, remain undisclosed, the announcement has ignited widespread discussion across social media and defense circles.

Some analysts hailed it as a major achievement for Russian aerospace, while others expressed skepticism, questioning whether the deal was a strategic maneuver to bolster the Su-57’s market image.

Defence

HAL to Restart Su-30MKI Jet Manufacturing at Nashik Facility

In a major boost to India’s defense manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to resume production of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets at its Nashik facility.

This revival comes after a substantial $1.3 billion contract was approved in September 2023, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet and bolstering local production capabilities.

The order includes 12 new Su-30MKIs, helping to replenish recent IAF losses and enhance India’s self-reliance in defense.

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HAL plans to deliver these new jets within the next three years, with Russian support to assist in this endeavor, underscoring a long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent Moscow visit, both nations reiterated their commitment to co-manufacturing and technology transfer initiatives.

This collaborative effort aligns with India’s Make-in-India program, supporting domestic defense capabilities and paving the way for future exports to friendly countries.

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The Nashik facility has historically been integral to India’s defense industry, and the upcoming Su-30MKI production aligns with HAL’s broader vision of producing and upgrading critical defense assets.

Experts project that a full modernization of India’s Su-30MKI fleet will unfold over the next 8–10 years, helping to ensure that the IAF maintains cutting-edge capabilities well into the future.

Alongside the initial 12 jets, HAL has submitted a proposal to supply 72 additional Su-30MKIs, which would include an advanced “Super-30” upgrade package featuring enhanced avionics, radar, and combat capabilities.

Estimated at $5 billion, this ambitious expansion would raise the IAF’s Su-30MKI fleet to over 344 aircraft by 2029-30, potentially adding four new squadrons. These upgrades would incorporate indigenous radar and weapons systems, boosting India’s operational readiness and defense independence.