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India’s Potential Interest in Russia’s Su-57 Fighter Jet

India's Potential Interest in Russia's Su-57 Fighter Jet

The Indian Air Force may soon bolster its fighter jet fleet with the addition of Russia’s Su-57 ‘Felon’, a cutting-edge stealth aircraft.

Amidst concerns over a declining number of warplanes in its inventory, military experts like former IAF pilot Vijainder K Thakur underscore the advantages of integrating the Su-57 into India’s defense strategy.

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Thakur emphasized that the Su-57‘s advanced features, such as its night vision and tracking system, countermeasures against infrared missiles, and sensors capable of detecting missile launches, make it a formidable addition to the IAF’s arsenal.

Advanced AI and technology for teaming with aircraft.

One of the most notable aspects of the Su-57 is its integration of advanced AI and technology, allowing it to team with both manned and unmanned aircraft.

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Thakur pointed out that the Su-57 could carry electronic equipment in its weapons bay to operate as a drone mothership, controlling highly stealthy drones such as the Okhotnik (S-70).

AMCA still 2-3 years from maiden flight

Despite India’s ongoing efforts to develop its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Thakur noted that the AMCA is still 2-3 years away from its maiden flight and approximately 15 years from operational induction.

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In the interim, the Su-57 could provide the IAF with the stealth capabilities it currently lacks. Moreover, India’s strategic options are limited by its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, which precludes the acquisition of the F-35 from the United States.

Thus, the Su-57 emerges as a viable alternative to bridge the gap until the AMCA becomes operational.

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Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

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Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

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Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

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Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

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In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

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Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.

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