New Delhi: In a move that could redefine India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, Russia has expressed its readiness to transfer advanced fifth-generation fighter engine technology to India. Reports indicate that crucial high-level discussions on the technology transfer took place during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to New Delhi.
Isdeliye 177S: The Engine Behind the Su-57E
Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) has offered India its Isdeliye 177S (also known as 117S or Product 177S)—a state-of-the-art thrust-vectoring engine developed for the Su-57E stealth fighter.
Under this proposed collaboration, Russia has agreed to share complete manufacturing blueprints, metallurgical specifications, single-crystal blade casting techniques, plasma thermal coatings, and test-bed protocols.
Such extensive technology transfer is unprecedented—even for Russia’s closest defence partners—underscoring the strategic weight of this proposal.
Production at HAL Koraput
India currently produces AL-31FP engines for its Su-30MKI fleet under Russian licence at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Koraput division in Odisha. The same facility is expected to house the new Isdeliye 177S production line.
A technical team from India has already received detailed briefings and demonstrations from UEC experts regarding the engine’s capabilities.
The 177S engine offers significantly greater thrust and fuel efficiency compared to the AL-31FP presently used in Su-30MKI aircraft.
Localisation to Begin at 54%
The first phase of production will see 54% indigenous content, with a roadmap to increase Indian-made components progressively.
One of the key advantages of the Isdeliye 177S is that it can be integrated into existing Su-30MKI airframes without major structural modifications, enabling the aircraft to remain operationally viable well into the 2040s.
Technological Advantages Over Existing Systems
Although derived from the AL-31FP, the Isdeliye 177S incorporates major advances, including:
- Enhanced FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control)
- Upgraded low-pressure compressor
- Higher turbine inlet temperature
- Advanced high-durability hot-section materials
These improvements significantly boost performance, reliability, power output and engine life.
Critical Technologies India Has Never Received from the West
Russia’s offer includes several strategic technologies that Western countries have consistently refused to share, such as:
- Directionally solidified alloys containing rhenium
- Single-crystal turbine blade technology
- Third-generation thermal barrier coatings
- Brush-seal technology
₹2,800-Crore Investment; Production Target by 2030
Upgrading the Koraput facility for 177S production is expected to require an investment of roughly ₹2,800 crore. Russian experts note that this is modest when measured against the long-term self-reliance benefits for India’s aerospace sector.
The goal is to commence full-scale production by 2030.
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