Sukhoi/HAL FGFA

{{Short description|Fifth-generation fighter concept for the Indian Air Force}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=May 2025}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = FGFA | image = | caption = | alt =  | type = Stealth Multirole/air superiority fighter | national_origin = Russia / India | manufacturer = Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (intended) | design_group = Sukhoi | first_flight = | introduction = | retired = | status = Cancelled | primary_user = Indian Air Force (intended) | more_users = | produced = | number_built = | developed_from = Sukhoi Su-57 | variants = }}

The '''Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft''' ('''FGFA''') was a fifth-generation fighter concept, based on the Russian Sukhoi Su-57, that was being developed by the joint forces of Sukhoi and HAL for the Indian Air Force. While the programme was earlier called FGFA, the combined project then referred as Prospective Multi-Role Fighter (PMF).<ref>Menon, Jay. [http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/asd_08_21_2012_p01-01-487983.xml "India And Russia To Ink R&D Phase Of T-50 Program."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221224550/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2Fasd_08_21_2012_p01-01-487983.xml |date=2014-02-21 }} ''Aerospace Daily & Defense Report'', 21 August 2012.</ref> The completed FGFA was to include a total of 43 improvements over the Su-57, including advanced sensors, networking and combat avionics.<ref name="ainonline.com">Mathews, Neelam. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2012-05-25/indias-version-sukhoi-t-50-delayed-two-years "India's Version of Sukhoi T-50 Delayed by Two Years."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707122432/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2012-05-25/indias-version-sukhoi-t-50-delayed-two-years |date=2014-07-07 }} ''AIN'', 25 May 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.defenceaviation.com/2008/10/sukhoihal-fgfa-a-indian-stealth-fighter.html |title= Sukhoi/HAL FGFA an Indian Stealth Fighter |date= 2008-10-27 |work= Defence Aviation |access-date= 2008-10-28 |archive-date= 2009-09-02 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090902083432/http://www.defenceaviation.com/2008/10/sukhoihal-fgfa-a-indian-stealth-fighter.html |url-status= dead }}</ref> The Indian version would be a two-seater with pilot and co-pilot or weapon systems operator (WSO).

It was reported India withdrew from the FGFA programme in 2018, but also hinted that the project could be resumed at a later date, when the Su-57 is fully operational in the Russian Air Force first.<ref name="Janes_India_left_FGFA" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/drdos-technology-claim-fells-9-billion-indo-russian-aircraft-deal/articleshow/64565395.cms|title=DRDO's technology claim fells $9 billion Indo-Russian aircraft deal|last=Pubby|first=Manu|date=2018-06-13|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-06-13}}</ref> However, General Director of United Aircraft Corporation Yuri Slyusar claimed that the FGFA program was not cancelled and India is still working with Russia regarding to the future aircraft.<ref name="Not cancelled" /><ref name="Not cancelled 2" /> In October 2019, the Indian Air Force Chief of Air Staff RKS Bhadauria stated that the country will not be importing stealth fighters like the Su-57, and will instead focus on indigenous efforts such as the HAL AMCA.<ref name="latest update:cancelled">{{cite web |last= Siddiqui |first= Huma |url= https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/make-in-india-iaf-will-focus-on-the-indigenous-amca-for-its-fighter-fleet-says-air-chief-rks-bhadauria/1727310/ |title= Make in India: IAF will focus on the indigenous AMCA for its fighter fleet, says Air Chief RKS Bhadauria |publisher= Financial Express |date= 2019-10-05 |access-date= 2020-01-09}}</ref>

==Development== Following the success of the BrahMos project, Russia and India agreed in early 2007 to jointly study and develop a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/08/stories/2007020806230500.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070502041838/http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/08/stories/2007020806230500.htm |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2007-05-02 |title= Indo-Russian agreement soon on PAK-FA |first= Rasheed |last= Kappan |date= 2007-02-08 |location= Chennai, India |work= The Hindu |access-date= 2007-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1433785.cms |title= India, Russia to make 5th generation fighter jets |date= 2007-01-24 |publisher= Times of India |access-date= 2007-10-20}}</ref>

On 11 September 2010, it was reported that India and Russia had agreed on a preliminary design contract, subject to Cabinet approval. In December 2010, a memorandum of understanding for preliminary design of the Indo-Russian fighter was reportedly signed between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), and Russian companies Rosoboronexport and Sukhoi.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.orfonline.org/cms/sites/orfonline/modules/analysis/AnalysisDetail.html?cmaid=20815&mmacmaid=20816 |title= Medvedev Flair Firms Up Indo-Russian Relations |publisher= Observer Research Foundation |date= 2010-12-29 |access-date= 2012-05-18 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120909001145/http://www.orfonline.org/cms/sites/orfonline/modules/analysis/AnalysisDetail.html?cmaid=20815&mmacmaid=20816 |archive-date= 2012-09-09 }}</ref>

While the Russian version will be a single-pilot fighter, the Indian variant will be based on its own operational doctrine which calls for greater radius of combat operations. The wings and control surfaces need to be reworked for the FGFA.<ref>{{cite web |first= Sandeep |last= Unnithan |url= http://indiatoday.digitaltoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&issueid=73&task=view&id=16398&sectionid=4&Itemid=1 |title= India, Russia to have different versions of same fighter plane |publisher= Indiatoday.digitaltoday.in |date= 2008-09-29 |access-date= 2010-12-16}}</ref> By February 2009, as per Sukhoi General Director Mikhail Pogosyan, India will initially get the same PAK FA fighter of Russia and the only difference will be the software.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=%20Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:a30f423d-9647-4277-b1b1-f400edddc114 |title= PAK-FA – Full Speed Ahead |last1= Sweetman |first1= Bill |date= 13 February 2009 |website= aviationweek.com |publisher= Penton |access-date= 13 November 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}</ref>

In 2010, a total of 500 aircraft were planned with options for further aircraft. Russian Air Force will have 200 single-seat and 50 twin-seat PAK FAs while Indian Air Force will get 166 single seated and 48 twin-seated FGFAs.<ref name=India_develop_25_percent>{{cite news |url= http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/india-to-develop-25fifth-generation-fighter/381786/ |title= India to develop 25% of fifth generation fighter |newspaper= Business Standard India |publisher= Business-standard.com |date= 2010-01-06 |access-date= 2010-12-16|last1= Shukla |first1= Ajai }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/india-russia-close-to-pactnext-generation-fighter/381718/ |title= India, Russia close to PACT on next generation fighter |newspaper= Business Standard India |date= 5 January 2010 |publisher= Business-standard.com |access-date= 2010-12-16|last1= Shukla |first1= Ajai }}</ref> Under the project terms, single-seat fighters will be assembled in Russia, while Hindustan Aeronautics will assemble two-seaters.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://indrus.in/articles/2011/11/11/prime_minister_putins_greatest_deals_13234.html |title= Prime Minister Putin's greatest deals |publisher= indrus.in |date= 2011-11-11 |access-date= 2011-11-11}}</ref> HAL negotiated a 25% share of design and development work in the FGFA programme. HAL's work share will include critical software including the mission computer, navigation systems, most of the cockpit displays, the counter measure dispensing (CMD) systems and modifying Sukhoi's prototype into fighter as per the requirement of the Indian Air Force (IAF).<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/india-to-develop-25fifth-generation-fighter/381786/ |title= India to develop 25% of fifth generation fighter |newspaper= Business Standard India |publisher= Business-standard.com |date= 2010-01-06 |access-date= 2012-05-18|last1= Shukla |first1= Ajai }}</ref>

Sukhoi director Mikhail Pogosyan projected a market for 1,000 aircraft over the next four decades, 200 each for Russia and India and 600 for other countries in 2010.<ref>{{cite news |last= Bryanski |first= Gleb |url= http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-46877820100312?sp=true |title= Russia to make 1,000 stealth jets, eyes India deal |publisher= In.reuters.com |date= 2010-03-12 |access-date= 2010-12-16 |archive-date= 2017-08-21 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170821173333/http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-46877820100312?sp=true |url-status= dead }}</ref> Russian Trade Minister Viktor Khristenko said that the aircraft are to be jointly developed and produced with India and both countries will "share benefits from selling the plane not only on their domestic markets, but also on the markets of third countries."<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=14912167&PageNum=0 |title= Russia, India to sign contract for sketching 5th generation jet soon |publisher= Itar-tass.com |access-date= 2010-12-16 }}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The Editor-in-chief of Natsionalnaya Oborona, Igor Korotchenko, said in February 2013 that exports of the jointly designed fighter should help Russia increase its share of arms exports to the world.<ref>{{Cite news |newspaper= RUVR |url= http://english.ruvr.ru/2013_02_18/Russian-aircraft-builders-successful-arms-traders/ |date= 2013-02-18 |title= Russian aircraft builders successful arms traders |place= RU}}</ref>

===Project changes and delays=== In May 2012, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced a two-year delay in the project's development.<ref name=Delays_challenges>{{cite news |url= http://business-standard.com/india/news/delayschallenges-for-indo-russian-fighter/474329/ |title= Delays and challenges for Indo-Russian fighter |newspaper= Business Standard India |publisher= Business-standard.com |date= 2012-05-15 |access-date= 2012-05-18|last1= Shukla |first1= Ajai }}</ref> Ashok Nayak, who spoke on the record as HAL's chairman before retiring, explained that the IAF have required 40–45 improvements made from the PAK-FA to meet Indian needs. These changes were then formally agreed upon between India and Russia.<ref name=Delays_challenges/>

The Russian and Indian air forces each planned to purchase about 250 FGFAs, at an estimated $100 million per fighter for an $25 billion total, in addition to the development costs.<ref name=Delays_challenges/> By October 2012, India had cut its total purchase size from 200 to 144 aircraft. India's initial investment had grown from $5 billion to $6 billion, and the estimated total programme cost had grown to $30 billion in 2012.<ref name=$30B>Luthra, Gulshan.[http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1766_IAF_decides_144_fifth_generation_fighters.htm "IAF decides on 144 Fifth Generation Fighters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928230454/http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1766_IAF_decides_144_fifth_generation_fighters.htm |date=2013-09-28 }} ''India Strategic'', October 2012.</ref>{{update inline|date=August 2016}}

In 2013, it was revealed that the Russian and Indian fighters would be using the same avionics.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130206/179261409.html |title= India to Use Russian Avionics For Future Fighter – UAC Boss |author= Sputnik |date= 6 February 2013 |work= ria.ru |access-date= 6 April 2015}}</ref> Alexander Fomin said that "Both sides involved in this project are investing a lot into it, and on equal terms."<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-news-live-aeroindia/2013-02-07/russia-still-has-high-hopes-defense-sales-india |title= Russia Still Has High Hopes for Defense Sales to India |work= Aviation International News |access-date= 6 April 2015 |archive-date= 2014-09-08 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140908125522/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-news-live-aeroindia/2013-02-07/russia-still-has-high-hopes-defense-sales-india |url-status= dead }}</ref> Russia later admitted to huge delays and cost overruns in the project.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/5th-generation-fighter-plan-hits-hurdle-as-Russia-hikes-cost/articleshow/21075582.cms |title= 5th-generation fighter plan hits hurdle as Russia hikes cost |work= The Times of India |date= 15 July 2013 |access-date= 6 April 2015}}</ref> The contract has not be finalised, and the IAF has accused HAL of giving away up to half of India's share of the development work.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2013/07/19/russia-delays-indias-5th-gen-fighter-program/ |title= Russia Delays India's 5th-Gen. Fighter Program |author= J. Michael Cole |work= The Diplomat |access-date= 6 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IAF-HAL-battle-threatens-to-shatter-military-aviation-indigenization/articleshow/21492297.cms|title=IAF-HAL tiff threatens to shatter indigenization quest|work=The Times of India|date=31 July 2013 }}</ref> India contributes 15% of the research and development work, but provides half the cost.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/asd_10_21_2013_p01-01-628343.xml |title= India Concerned About Fifth-Gen Fighter Work Share With Russia |last1= Menon |first1= Jay |date= 21 October 2013 |website= aviationweek.com |publisher= Aerospace Daily & Defense Report |access-date= 23 October 2013}}</ref>

On 9 March 2015, media outlets reported that the countries agreed to reduce the aircraft delivery time from 92 months to 36 months with the signing of the final agreement. India is also ready to forego a 50:50 work share to prevent further delays from absorption of a new technology; both countries agreed to manufacture the first batch of aircraft in Russia and for subsequent batches to be manufactured by HAL.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rafale-deadlock-gives-thrust-to-Russian-5th-gen-jet-project/articleshow/46497247.cms |title= Rafale deadlock gives thrust to Russian 5th-gen jet project |work= The Times of India |date= 9 March 2015 |access-date= 6 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.defenseworld.net/news/12361/India_Eyes_Russian_FGFA_As_MMRCA_Deal_Delays#.VP3E62P0bQI |title= India Eyes Russian FGFA As MMRCA Deal Delays |work= defenseworld.net |access-date= 6 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://tass.ru/en/russia/781741 |title= TASS: Russia – India to invest $25 billion in fifth-generation fighter joint project with Russia — media |work= TASS |access-date= 6 April 2015}}</ref>

By 2016, Indian interest in the project was fading after Russia cut back their own purchases.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/01/india-and-russia-fail-to-resolve-dispute-over-fifth-generation-fighter-jet/ |title=India and Russia Fail to Resolve Dispute Over Fifth Generation Fighter Jet |last1=Gady |first1=Franz-Stefan |date=6 January 2016 |website=thediplomat.com |publisher=The Diplomat |access-date=6 January 2016}}</ref> On 25 January 2016, it was reported that Russia and India have agreed to develop FGFA and lower investment cost to $4 billion for each nation. They will invest $1 billion in the first year and another $500 million per year for the following six years.{{cn|date=December 2020}} In September 2016, the two nations announced a detailed work-share agreement for joint production.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-and-russia-agree-on-details-of-new-joint-production-of-fifth-generation-fighter-aircraft/articleshow/54203573.cms |title=India and Russia agree on details of new joint production of fifth generation fighter aircraft |last1=Pubby |first1=Manu |date=9 September 2016 |website=indiatimes.com |publisher=Times Group |access-date=13 September 2016}}</ref>

In May 2017, another announcement came out regarding a "milestone" pact to finalise the detailed design for the fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) and move ahead with the multibillion-dollar co-development project. It is expected to be signed in the second half of the year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-russia-to-ink-deal-on-5th-generation-fighter-design/articleshow/58561386.cms|title=India, Russia to ink deal on 5th generation fighter design - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India|date=7 May 2017 |access-date=23 April 2018}}</ref> Then later that month the project appeared to be lost when the Russians suddenly demanded seven billion dollars that the Indians could not afford.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/articles/steep-price-rise-hits-indo-russian-5th-gen-fighter-project |title=Steep price rise hits Indo-Russian 5th-gen fighter project |last1=Raghuvanshi |first1=Vivek |date=24 May 2017 |website=www.defensenews.com |publisher=Sightline Media Group |access-date=24 May 2017}}</ref> An Indian committee has reportedly been set up to evaluate need for FGFA in light of the price increase and progress on the HAL AMCA project.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/indo-russian-multirole-transport-aircraft-programme-indian-air-force-978260-2017-05-21 |title=Indo-Russian project to develop aircraft hits roadblock over price, technology |last1=Dubey |first1=Ajit Kumar |date=21 May 2017 |website=indiatoday.intoday.in |publisher=IndiaToday |access-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>

It has been reported that India and Russia are studying an upgrade to the Su-35 with stealth technology (similar to the F-15 Silent Eagle) as a more affordable alternative to the FGFA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/02/could-russia-design-a-fifth-generation-variant-of-the-su-35-for-india/|title=Could Russia Design a Fifth-Generation Variant of the Su-35 for India?|first=Abraham Ait, The|last=Diplomat|website=thediplomat.com|access-date=23 April 2018}}</ref>

=== Major roadblocks in the programme === On 2 September 2017, the Indian Air Force cited demanding maintenance programs, and high maintenance costs as main reasons behind its reluctance to proceed with the project.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/indian-air-force-127-fifth-generation-fighter-aircraft-russia-1036340-2017-09-01 |title=IAF not in favour of acquiring Russian 5th gen jets, keen on DRDO Make in India project instead |access-date=2017-11-10}}</ref> India prefers to produce its own fifth-generation fighter to maintain parity with China's air force that has recently debuted the Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/russia-joins-the-stealth-fighter-club---but-how-good-is-su-57 |title=Russia joins the stealth fighter club – but how good is the Su-57? |last=Moskvitch |first=Katia |date=17 Aug 2017 |website=www.imeche.org |access-date=2017-11-10 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://asiatimes.com/article/beijing-rumored-woo-allies-fighter-technology/|title=Beijing rumored to woo allies with fighter technology|website=atimes.com|date=20 November 2017 |access-date=23 April 2018}}</ref>

On 20 April 2018, it was reported that India had left the project.<ref name=Janes_India_left_FGFA>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/79457/india-withdraws-from-fgfa-project-leaving-russia-to-go-it-alone |title=India withdraws from FGFA project, leaving Russia to go it alone |date= 20 April 2018 |website=Jane's 360 |access-date=23 April 2018}}</ref><ref>[https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/india-pulls-out-of-joint-stealth-fighter-project-with-russia/ India Pulls out of Joint Stealth Fighter Project With Russia]. Franz-Stefan Gady, ''The Diplomat''. 23 April 2018.</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Shukla|first1=Ajai|title=$8.63-billion advanced fighter aircraft project with Russia put on ice|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/8-63-billion-advanced-fighter-aircraft-project-with-russia-put-on-ice-118042000029_1.html|work=Business Standard|date=20 April 2018}}</ref> India officials reported that they became increasingly disappointed with the project's progress after long years of negotiations, delays, and struggles with Russian contractors. They asserted that they were not satisfied with the capabilities of the Su-57, the foundation for FGFA's development, among many things the degree of low observability allowed by the design being the biggest of issues.<ref name=Janes_India_left_FGFA/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/india-pulls-out-of-joint-stealth-fighter-project-with-russia/ |title= India Pulls out of Joint Stealth Fighter Project With Russia|publisher= The Diplomat |date= 23 April 2018 }}</ref> However, Indian officials did not rule out the possibility of relaunching the FGFA project once the Su-57 is fully introduced into the Russian air force, or later acquiring the fully developed platform.<ref name=Janes_India_left_FGFA/>

On 19 August 2018, it was reported that the FGFA program was not cancelled; the General Director of United Aircraft Corporation Yuri Slyusar denied the previous reports saying "the topic is not closed" and that Russia and India are still discussing the creation of the fifth-generation fighter.<ref name="Not cancelled">{{cite web|url=https://ria.ru/20180819/1526819582.html|title=Россия и Индия обсуждают создание истребителя пятого поколения|website=ria.ru|date=19 August 2018|access-date=6 July 2019}}</ref><ref name="Not cancelled 2">{{cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/world/india-still-with-fifth-generation-fighter-aircraft-project-russian-defence-aviation-major-2134541.html|title=India still with fifth-generation fighter aircraft project: Russian defence aviation major|website=zeenews.india.com|date=20 August 2018|access-date=6 July 2019}}</ref>

On 9 July 2019, during a meeting with IAF representatives, Russia offered India to resume its participation in Su-57 program. Deputy Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Vladimir Drozhzhin told that "Russia is open to that... We are ready and are proposing this program to our Indian partners".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1067657|title=Russia offers India to resume development of 5th-generation fighter jet|website=TASS|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref> IAF Air Chief Marshall Birender Singh Dhanoa during an interview with Russian Ministry of Defense's official newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star), stated that while Su-57 is currently not being considered for the IAF, but the combat aircraft can be evaluated once it joins active service with the Russian Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ria.ru/20190719/1556675153.html|title=В Индии назвали условия закупки Су-57|date=2019-07-19|website=РИА Новости|language=ru|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/sukhoi-su-57-not-on-iaf-radar-air-chief-marshal-birender-singh-dhanoa-says-decision-after-fighter-joins-russian-air-force-2223846.html/amp|title=Sukhoi Su-57 not on IAF radar, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa says decision after fighter joins Russian Air Force {{!}} India News|website=zeenews.india.com|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref>

==Design== Russian expertise in titanium structures will be complemented by India's experience in composites like in the fuselage.<ref name=India_develop_25_percent/> Speaking to ''Flight International'', United Aircraft chief Mikhail Pogosyan said India is giving engineering inputs covering latest airframe design, Hi-Tech software development and other systems.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/06/20/357476/paris-russias-pak-fa-fighter-shows-promise.html |title= PARIS: Russia's PAK-FA fighter shows promise |publisher= Flightglobal.com |date= 2011-06-20 |access-date= 2013-04-11}}</ref>

By August 2014, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) had completed the front end engineering design for the FGFA for which a contract had been signed with India's HAL in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.samachar.com/Russia-prepares-5thgeneration-fighter-for-India-oiqch2bbcfe.html |title= Indian News – India Newspaper – India Latest News – News From India – India News Daily – Current India News |work= samachar.com |access-date= 6 April 2015 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140818074001/http://www.samachar.com/Russia-prepares-5thgeneration-fighter-for-India-oiqch2bbcfe.html |archive-date= 18 August 2014 }}</ref>

===Differences for FGFA=== When complete, the FGFA would've been predominantly armed with weapons of Indian origin such as the Astra, a beyond-visual-range missile (BVR) developed by India. Although in keeping with the Russian BVR doctrine of using a variety of different missiles for versatility and unpredictability to countermeasures, the aircraft was expected to have compatibility with various missile types. It was reported, the FGFA would include systems developed by third parties.{{cn|date=April 2023}} It was also to have a different AESA radar, designated N079.<ref>Butowski, Piotr. "T-50 Turning and Burning over Moscow". ''Air International'', Vol. 85, No 4, October 2013, pp. 80. Stamford, UK: Key Publishing.</ref>

The completed joint Indian/Russian versions of the operational fighters would've differed from the then flying prototypes through a total of 43 improvements.<ref name="ainonline.com"/>

Russia had agreed to the demand of the Indian Air Force that it must be a two-seater fighter.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20140915/DEFREG/309150023/Indo-Russian-Jet-Program-Finally-Moves-Forward |title= Indo-Russian Jet Program Finally Moves Forward |work= Defense News |date= 15 September 2014 |access-date= 23 January 2015 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://archive.today/20150124195349/http://archive.defensenews.com/article/20140915/DEFREG/309150023/Indo-Russian-Jet-Program-Finally-Moves-Forward |archive-date= 24 January 2015 }}</ref> India had plans for it to be a two-seater with a pilot and weapon systems operator.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|date=22 January 2015|title=India Fast Tracks 5th Generation Fighter Jet Project With Russia|work=NDTV|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/india-fast-tracks-5th-generation-fighter-jet-project-with-russia-652005|access-date=23 January 2015}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Aviation|India|Russia}} {{aircontent |see also= |related= * HAL AMCA * Sukhoi Su-57 |similar aircraft= * Chengdu J-20 * Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

|lists= * List of fighter aircraft * List of megaprojects, Aerospace }}

==References== {{Reflist|group=N}}

==External links== '''News reports and articles:''' * [https://web.archive.org/web/20121022024134/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-10-19/india/27988899_1_sukhoi-design-bureau-fifth-generation-stealth-fighter-high-endurance-air-defence-capabilities India, Russia to develop fifth-generation stealth fighter]

{{HAL aircraft}} {{Sukhoi aircraft}} {{Stealth aircraft}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Sukhoi HAL FGFA}} Category:Sukhoi aircraft Category:Stealth aircraft Category:HAL aircraft Category:Proposed aircraft of India Category:India–Russia relations Category:Three dimension thrust vectoring aircraft Category:Cancelled military aircraft projects