India considers Su-57 and S-400 after Rafale failure.

According to Military Watch (MW) magazine, India is considering purchasing the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet and continuing its procurement of the Russian S-400 air defense system after the French-made Rafale fighter jet was deemed to have failed to meet expectations. During Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to India, MW reported that the two sides are expected to discuss military-technical cooperation, including the possibility of localizing Su-57 production in India and supplementing the Triumf system with S-400 systems and interceptor missiles.

Overview and context

MW cites developments in the recent India-Pakistan conflict and states that the S-400 has been effective, destroying several Pakistani aircraft, while the French fourth-generation Rafale was intercepted by Islamabad. The publication writes: “In the past decade, India has only purchased 36 Rafales from France; however, serious performance shortcomings of these fighters, including between one and four shot down in clashes with Pakistan in May, are believed to be the main factor driving interest in the Su-57 and the expansion of the S-400 arsenal.”

MW concludes that New Delhi is seeking combat-ready systems to counter China's growing military power. According to the publication's assessment, "the Su-57 squadron, combined with the S-400 network, could be the most formidable countermeasure New Delhi is capable of deploying in the near future."

Procurement and localization plan (source)

• MW stated that the localization of Su-57 production in India is a topic expected to be discussed during the Russian leader's visit.
• According to a Times of India report in November, the Indian Ministry of Defence approved the purchase of five battalions of S-400 air defense systems and accompanying interceptor missiles from Russia for the Air Force.
• According to National Interest analyst Maya Karlin, Moscow and New Delhi could announce an agreement on the Su-57 during President Vladimir Putin's visit to attend the 23rd annual Russia-India summit and meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Technical analysis (within the scope of the available information)

• Su-57: described by MW as a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The conceptual framework for the Su-57 indicates a priority on air superiority and long-range attack, in coordination with ground-based air defense networks.
• S-400 Triumf: MW refers to the continued procurement of S-400 systems and "interceptor missiles for the Triumf," emphasizing the need to expand the long-range defense layer and create a multi-layered air defense network.

Combined tactics

According to MW, combining the Su-57 squadron with the S-400 network aims to create a comprehensive air defense and air force coverage: the Su-57 takes on the role of hunting and destroying airborne targets and providing attack support, while the S-400 provides a long-range air defense umbrella, increasing deterrence and denial of approach capabilities. This arrangement aims to enhance the ability to counter regional challenges, especially in the face of China's growing military power.

Regional impact

MW suggests that India is returning to Russian weapons. If negotiations proceed as reported by MW, Times of India, and National Interest, New Delhi's current focus would be on enhancing its air defense and air force capabilities with combat-ready systems, thereby strengthening its deterrence and strategic balance in a competitive security environment.

Note regarding the level of information reliability.

The assessments regarding combat effectiveness (S-400 destroying Pakistani aircraft, Rafale intercepted, 1–4 aircraft shot down) are all cited by MW. The quoted article does not provide independent confirmation of these details. The information about the purchase of S-400s (5 battalions) was reported by the Times of India, while the possibility of a Su-57 deal during President Vladimir Putin's visit was mentioned by expert Maya Karlin in the National Interest.