Russia offers India to sell state-of-the-art strike fighter

Russia offers to sell state-of-the-art strike fighter 17 July, 2008 - NEW DELHI: Russia is ready to export state-of-the-art Su-35 air superiority-cum-strike fighter to India, said officials of Rosoboronexport, the country’s sole arms exporting company. The fourth generation plus (4 +) fighter is rated next to the fifth generation American F-22 Raptor, which, however, is not for export. Till now, the Russians were also not keen on selling the fighter. Su-35 has larger wings and more powerful engines than the Sukhoi-30 MKI, which is in service with the Indian Air Force, with more fighters being added at one a month. It also uses more advanced materials for the airframe and incorporates a new-generation radar which allows the pilot to detect and track up to 30 aerial targets while engaging up to eight of them at the same time. Russia intends exporting at least 160 Su-35 to customers of its Su-30 series. Although India has tendered for 126 medium multirole fighters worth $10.2 billion, the offer for this aircraft, heavier in weight than the requirement, would be looked upon with interest. For, Su-35 would give the IAF a clear edge over the fighters being operated by other countries in the region. Superior engines According to the company, the fighter is powered by engines that are much superior to those fitted on Su-30. It is equipped with a 30-mm cannon with 150 rounds and can carry up to eight tonnes of combat payload. If the offer is accepted, Russia will be prepared to export the fighters in 2011, ahead of the timeline envisaged by India for the 126 medium multirole fighters.