Discussions between Russia and India on the supply of fifth-generation Su-57 fighters have moved to the stage of technical consultations. However, the publication IDRW considers the situation problematic because of the current state of the AL-51F1 engine, or \"Item 177S.\"
According to the source, the Russian side offered New Delhi two engine options — to install on the Su-57 either the proven AL-41 series or the new \"Item 177\" family
\"Item 177\" is at an early stage of development, flight tests have only just begun, and it is not yet ready for serial production and has only been demonstrated in prototype form.
IDRW sources added that serial production of the main 177 family has not yet begun, and a realistic timeframe is closer to the end of the current decade. The AL-51F1 in non-afterburning mode will provide the Su-57 with a sharp increase in supercruise speed to 1.9 - 2.1M.
Analyst Stanislav Fedchishin explained that India considers technology transfer the key condition of the contract for the supply of Su-57E fighters.