Russia has formally offered India its advanced Izdeliye 177S engine for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet, according to Russian state-owned agency Sputnik.

The proposal was tabled as Moscow pushes a wider package of defence cooperation during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi.

The offer comes at a time when India and Russia are discussing a major upgrade of nearly 260 Su-30MKIs under the estimated ₹91,667 crores ‘Super Sukhoi’ program. The initial phase is expected to cover 84 aircraft, with the remainder to follow in subsequent tranches.

The 177S engine is capable of delivering up to 14.5 tons of thrust and has a reported service life of up to 6,000 hours. Russian officials have also claimed that the engine can reduce fuel consumption by around 7 per cent across operating modes, which would translate into significant operational savings for the Indian Air Force.

The engine has broadly similar dimensions and weight to the AL-31F/FP engines currently powering the Su-30MKI. This similarity could make integration easier, although Indian defence planners would need to conduct a detailed technical evaluation before taking a final decision.

The Super Sukhoi program is expected to include new AESA radars, modern avionics, improved electronic-warfare systems and new engines. These upgrades are aimed at extending the fleet’s relevance well into the 2040s and ensuring parity against regional adversaries.

India already has an established industrial base for the Su-30MKI. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd manufactures AL-31FP engines under licence and is also involved in the aircraft’s production and overhaul. This existing infrastructure could be leveraged for local assembly or licensed production of the 177S, subject to negotiations on technology transfer.

The engine proposal is part of a broader Russian defence package. Moscow has also proposed joint production of Su-57 fifth-generation fighters in India, along with additional S-400 air-defence systems and the newer S-500 system.

Russia has further offered to establish an S-400 maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in India, which would strengthen long-term sustainment of the system.

India is separately developing the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, but its first flight is not expected before 2029–30. The Su-57 proposal could therefore give New Delhi another option for adding a fifth-generation fighter capability while the AMCA program progresses.

The two sides are also discussing the possible acquisition of around 300 Russian R-37M long-range air-to-air missiles. These weapons, with ranges exceeding 300 kilometres, would significantly enhance the reach of India’s air combat capability.

For the Su-30MKI fleet, the 177S proposal could provide an engine upgrade alongside the wider Super Sukhoi program. However, any move would depend on technical evaluation, cost considerations, technology transfer arrangements and the scope for local production. The decision will be closely watched as it could shape the trajectory of India’s combat aviation modernisation for decades.

Agencies