Date: July 9, 2025
By: Bharat Global Time News Desk
As Putin’s India Visit Nears, Moscow Pitches Next-Gen MUM-T Deal
In a major defence development ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, Moscow has offered a highly advanced Su-57E and S-70 Okhotnik-B combo to the Indian Air Force (IAF), designed for Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) operations.
This proposed package is not just a traditional arms sale—it is a futuristic air warfare solution aimed at enhancing India’s strategic capabilities amid rising regional tensions with China and Pakistan.
What’s Russia Offering?
- A potential G2G (Government-to-Government) deal for 60–70 Su-57E 5th-generation stealth fighters.
- Integration with the S-70 Okhotnik-B, Russia’s heavy stealth UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle).
- Access to full source code, enabling India to customize avionics, sensors, weapons systems, and integrate indigenous assets like Astra, Rudram, and GaN-based AESA radar.
- Proposed co-production in India through HAL Nashik under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
This is the first time Russia is offering such a deep strategic and technological partnership on a 5th-gen fighter + stealth drone combination.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming: The Future of Air Combat
The Su-57E and S-70 Okhotnik-B are designed to operate as a coordinated strike pair. Here’s how the synergy works:
| System | Role |
|---|---|
| Su-57E | Stealth fighter with supermaneuverability, internal weapons, and sensor fusion. |
| S-70 Okhotnik-B | AI-enabled stealth drone with 4,000+ km range, heavy payload, and deep-strike capabilities. |
Together, they provide a force multiplier: The Su-57 acts as a command unit, directing the Okhotnik-B drones to carry out precision strikes, electronic warfare, or reconnaissance in contested zones—while remaining undetected.
Why India Might Consider the Deal
1. Bridges Immediate Fighter Jet Shortage
With the IAF operating only 31 active squadrons (against the sanctioned 42), this deal could offer a timely solution while AMCA is under development.
2. Total Customization Rights
Unlike Western fighters, Russia is offering unrestricted software access—allowing India to plug in its own radar, missiles, mission computers, and even AI systems.
3. Boost to Indigenous Defence
Co-production in India will enhance domestic aerospace capabilities, generate employment, and help reduce dependence on imports.
4. Strategic Counter to China
China’s growing J-20 and J-35 stealth fleet demands a powerful response. The Su-57E + Okhotnik-B combo gives India a stealth edge with manned-unmanned dominance.
Challenges That Remain
While the offer is promising, a few critical concerns need resolution:
- Su-57’s battlefield readiness: Past delays and system maturity remain an issue.
- IAF’s prior hesitation: India previously opted out of FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) due to cost and tech concerns.
- Engine dependency: Russia currently proposes the AL-51F engine, while the more advanced Izdeliye 30 is still under testing.
- Geopolitical implications: Deepening ties with Russia could affect India’s defence cooperation with the West—especially the US.
Putin Visit: What to Expect
The Russian President’s visit is expected to result in:
- Signing of MoUs for defence and aerospace collaboration.
- Possibly finalizing the Su-57E deal, or issuing a joint development agreement.
- Discussions on UCAV doctrine, drone swarming, and future Indo-Russian tech exchanges.
Bottom Line
Russia’s Su-57E + Okhotnik-B offer isn’t just a hardware deal—it’s an invitation to co-create the future of air warfare. For India, it offers a powerful mix of capability, sovereignty, and strategic depth.
As the world watches Putin’s visit, this offer may mark a turning point in India’s aerial defence doctrine.
Stay with Bharat Global Time for real-time updates, expert insights, and on-ground coverage of Indo-Russian defence ties.
