The "Mother of All Offers" refers to a comprehensive proposal from Russia to India for the joint production and technology transfer of the **Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon"**, its flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter.
The narrative echoes the historical success of the **MiG-21** and **Su-30 MKI** programs, which transformed India's aerospace industry from simple assembly to deep-level manufacturing. As of early 2026, this deal has gained renewed momentum following "advanced technical consultations" reported at major airshows like **Wings India 2026**.
### Why This Deal is Being Called a "Mother of All Offers"
Russia’s pitch is strategically designed to address India's current military and industrial pain points:
* **Full Technology Transfer:** Unlike Western offers, Russia has reportedly offered "unrestricted" access, including the fighter's **source code**, AESA radar technology, and the "Izdeliye 30" engine know-how.
* **Deep Localisation:** The proposal suggests maximum integration of Indian systems (avionics, weapons like the **BrahMos-NG**, and mission computers), allowing India to build a customized "Su-57 MKI" variant.
* **Leveraging Existing Infrastructure:** Production would likely take place at HAL's Nashik facility, which is currently winding down Su-30 MKI production, preventing a massive industrial "dead zone."
* **Cost Efficiency:** Reports suggest Russia is pitching the Su-57 at a lifecycle cost significantly lower than Western fourth-generation competitors like the Rafale, potentially allowing India to induct nearly **200 aircraft** for the price of a much smaller Western fleet.
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### The Historical Precedent: MiG-21 and Su-30 MKI
The OPED compares this potential deal to two pillars of the Indian Air Force (IAF):
* **MiG-21 (1960s):** This was the first time a major power transferred the technology to build a supersonic fighter to a developing nation, laying the foundation for HAL.
* **Su-30 MKI (1990s-2000s):** India didn't just buy the Su-30; it helped develop the "MKI" version with French, Israeli, and Indian electronics. This became the "backbone" of the IAF, with over 270 aircraft produced. Russia now argues the Su-57 is the natural successor to this legacy.
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### The Strategic Dilemma: AMCA vs. Su-57
Despite the "irresistible" nature of the offer, India remains cautious due to:
1. **Project AMCA:** India is developing its own fifth-generation fighter, the **Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)**. Critics fear a large Su-57 deal would drain the budget and talent needed for the indigenous project.
2. **The "FGFA" Ghost:** India previously spent $290 million on the joint FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) program with Russia before withdrawing in 2018 due to concerns over stealth performance and work-share.
3. **Geopolitics:** The threat of **CAATSA** (U.S. sanctions) and the performance of Russian hardware in recent conflicts remain significant factors in New Delhi's decision-making.
### Summary of Key Features (Proposed Su-57E)
| Feature | Capability |
| --- | --- |
| **Speed** | Max speed > Mach 2; Supercruise Mach 1.3 |
| **Stealth** | Reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS) via internal weapon bays |
| **Agility** | 3D Thrust-vectoring for extreme maneuvers |
| **Sensors** | N036 Byelka AESA Radar + IRST for passive tracking |
| **Integration** | Compatibility with Indian-made **Uttam Radar** and **Astra** missiles |
**Would you like me to look into the specific technical differences between the standard Russian Su-57 and the "customized" variant proposed for India?**
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