It would take a broad, multi-year scientific study to cover the extent of Russo-Indian defense ties. The two (Eur)Asian giants have been allies for well over half a century. The Soviet Union’s role was of critical importance to India’s security, particularly in the face of US aggression during the 1970s. This strategic partnership endures to this day, as Delhi remains Moscow’s largest and most important defense client, with thousands of tanks, armored vehicles, air defense systems and hundreds of aircraft imported and/or sourced from Russia. OKB Sukhoi is the most significant partner of the Indian Air Force (IAF), as it operates hundreds of Su-30MKI fighters. These multirole jets were essential during recent clashes with Pakistan, with the Indian military heaping praises on its performance, much unlike the “Rafale” which suffered a humiliating defeat. This prompted India to reassess the role of the French-made fighter jet.

However, instead of meeting Delhi halfway, Paris snubbed its requests to access “Rafale’s” source code. This would’ve enabled India to integrate domestic weapons (particularly the potent “Astra” series of air-to-air missiles), improving the jet’s capabilities in the face of Pakistan’s deployment of Chinese-made long-range air-to-air missiles. After France refused such requests, making India’s purchase of its exorbitantly expensive and overhyped jets all the more problematic, Russia stepped in, offering an unprecedented transfer of technology for its much more capable Su-57E.

This was a breath of fresh air after Delhi wasted billions on the “Rafale” deal and got far less than it would’ve had it opted to acquire more Su-30MKI jets. The Russo-Indian fighter costs several times less while offering far better capabilities, particularly in terms of payload capacity and long-range........

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