Russia Proposes Izdeliye 177S Engine to Upgrade India's Su-30MKI Fleet During Putin's BRICS Summit Visit to New Delhi

Key facts

• Russia offered India the advanced Izdeliye 177S engine as a potential replacement for the AL-31F/FP engines used in the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet, during President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit.
• The Izdeliye 177S is claimed to generate up to 14.5 tonnes of thrust while retaining dimensions and weight similar to the AL-31F/FP, allowing integration without major redesigns.
• The 177S is claimed to have a service life of up to 6,000 hours and a reported 7% reduction in fuel consumption across operating modes.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited already manufactures and maintains AL-31FP engines under licence, providing a base for greater domestic involvement.
• The 'Super Sukhoi' programme is an estimated $11-billion initiative to modernise nearly 260 Su-30MKIs, with the initial phase expected to cover 84 aircraft with new engines, AESA radars, modern avionics and improved electronic-warfare systems.
• The engine proposal comes as India and Russia continue discussions on the Su-57E, Russia's export version of its fifth-generation fighter.
• India and Russia reiterated their goal of taking annual bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.