The Indian Ministry of Defence has officially confirmed its intention to join the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) 6th generation fighter development program. This could effectively put an end to the idea of buying Su-57s from Russia, The Indian Express reported.
New Delhi has also decided to focus on modernizing its own Su-30MKI fleet and developing the national AMCA program.
However, the European FCAS program, involving France, Germany, and Spain, has long been in a deep crisis due to disputes over work scope and intellectual property rights.
Earlier, Indian media reported that Russia was allegedly ready to offer India not only the Su-57 but also a new weapons system for it. Military analyst Raunak Kunde of IDRW claimed that discussions were underway regarding the adaptation of the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile to the combat aircraft.
Russian Ambassador to New Delhi Denis Alipov stated that India plans to establish licensed production of the Su-57.