Russia conducting secret trials of Su-57 stealth fighter jet; New weapon loading for Indian Air Force?

Moscow: Russia has commenced testing of a new two-seater variant of the Su-57 stealth fighter jet—a version that India had once specifically sought to have developed. According to reports, Russia has now extended an open offer to India regarding the Su-57 stealth fighter jet, proposing the integration of indigenous weaponry and a comprehensive Transfer of Technology (ToT).

In reality, India currently possesses only one viable option for acquiring a fifth-generation fighter aircraft: the Russian Su-57 stealth fighter jet. While the F-35 is technically another option, purchasing it remains virtually impossible due to stringent US conditions and various geopolitical considerations. Russia has successfully conducted taxi trials for this fighter jet, which incorporates the very technology that India had previously sought to integrate into its own indigenous fighter aircraft program.

What do we know about the Su-57 stealth fighter jet?

Most notably, this aircraft is not merely a stealth fighter; it is also capable of serving as a "command center" for future drone warfare operations. The cockpit of the new twin-seater Su-57 bears a strong resemblance to that of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, an aircraft that the Indian Air Force has been operating for many years. It features a seating arrangement with the pilot positioned in the front and a second officer seated in the rear. Defense experts believe that the officer seated in the rear will not only handle weapon systems but will also be capable of controlling drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) during combat operations. This is precisely why this aircraft is being envisioned as a "Drone Commander Fighter."

How Did Russia Transform Su-57 Stealth Fighter into a 'Drone Command' Platform?

It is worth noting that the nature of modern warfare has evolved rapidly over the past few years. Today, the critical roles in combat are being played not only by fighter jets but also by drones and artificial intelligence-driven warfare systems. Nations such as Russia, China, and the United States are actively working on MUM-T—or "Manned-Unmanned Teaming"—technology. This concept entails a single fighter jet controlling multiple drones while airborne, assigning specific missions to them. In this context, the second crew member aboard the twin-seater Su-57 can assume full responsibility for managing drone operations.

This fighter aircraft is designed to accommodate a crew of two pilots. The pilot seated in the front cockpit will fly the aircraft and manage aerial combat operations. Meanwhile, the Weapon Systems Officer seated in the rear cockpit will function as a "Mission Commander."
From the rear seat, the commander will control a multitude of lethal drones and drone swarms (clusters of drones) flying alongside the aircraft, utilizing the large panoramic screens installed within the cockpit.
While the jet itself will execute attacks while evading enemy radar, the rear-seat operator will simultaneously assign targets to the drones, gather reconnaissance intelligence, and conduct electronic warfare operations.

Interestingly, until now, China's J-20S stealth fighter was the only aircraft in the world capable of executing such missions; however, Russia has now also commenced trials of this technology. India shares a long-standing association with this project. At one point, India and Russia were collaborating on the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) program. The Indian Air Force (IAF) had sought the development of a variant of the Su-57 featuring a two-seat configuration—comprising a pilot and a Weapon Systems Officer—similar to the IAF's Su-30MKI model. India believed that such a configuration would enhance operational efficiency during long-range missions and complex combat operations.

Why Has India Withdrawn from the FGFA Program?

However, India subsequently withdrew from the FGFA program. Several reasons were cited for this decision, including concerns regarding costs, technical collaboration, and engine performance. Nevertheless, Russia is now once again attempting to entice India. According to reports, Russia has proposed to India that, should India desire, Indian-specific systems and weaponry could be integrated into the twin-seat variant of the Su-57. Furthermore, the option of Technology Transfer (ToT) could also be made available.