Modi should make a deal now for the Su 57. This is the right time. The Russians are very willing. Talking abt tech transder of even the S 500. We should start manufacruring in HAL's Nashik facility immediately. Target abt 400 Su 57 in the next 9 years until AMCA production begins.
I believe India should consider acquiring at least 72 Su-57s, but not simply as an off-the-shelf purchase. India should pursue a highly customised Indian variant, similar in philosophy to the Su-30MKI programme.
When the Su-30MKI was introduced around 2000, it became one of the most capable 4.5-generation fighters because India didn't simply buy a standard Russian aircraft—it incorporated Indian requirements and systems. The problem is that the Su-30MKI fleet subsequently did not receive upgrades at the pace necessary to maintain its technological edge.
The same mistake should not be repeated with the Su-57. If India acquires it, the objective should be an Indianised Su-57 incorporating the best feasible combination of Russian, Indian and selected Western technologies—particularly in avionics, AESA radar, electronic warfare, communications/data links, mission computers and weapons.
Such an aircraft could provide India with a significant fifth-generation capability while AMCA is being developed and inducted. It would also give the IAF valuable operational experience with stealth fighters, advanced sensors, networking and low-observable operations.
The Su-57 should therefore be viewed as a bridge, not a replacement for AMCA. A fleet of around 72 aircraft could provide that bridge while giving India time to develop AMCA properly and, potentially, participate in an international sixth-generation programme in the future.
