Russia has begun promoting a two-seat version of the Su-57D to India, and it is this variant that could rekindle New Delhi's interest in purchasing the Russian fifth-generation fighter. This conclusion was reached by Military Watch Magazine, noting that India had previously criticized the project due to the lack of a two-person crew modification.
According to MWM, the new Su-57D variant is seen as a more convenient platform for coordinating attack drones, complex combat missions, and pilot training. The publication believes that the two-seat cockpit could be one of the key arguments for India to return to negotiations on the aircraft after withdrawing from the FGFA program.
Special attention is paid to the possibility of deep adaptation of the fighter to the requirements of the Indian Air Force. Russia is ready to integrate Indian systems into the aircraft, including local radars, weapons, and avionics elements. This refers not to a standard export Su-57, but to an essentially separate version for India.
MWM also notes that the two-seat Su-57 could receive new AL-51F-1 engines and enhanced capabilities for interaction with unmanned systems. Against this background, the aircraft is considered an interim solution until the appearance of the Indian fifth-generation AMCA fighter.