More Thrust, Less Fuel: Russia Offers Advanced Engine For India’s Su-30MKI Fighter Jets At BRICS

News world More Thrust, Less Fuel: Russia Offers Advanced Engine For India’s Su-30MKI Fighter Jets At BRICS

Last Updated:September 12, 2026, 07:18 IST

The proposed Izdeliye 177S engine is being offered as a potential replacement for the AL-31F/FP powerplants currently used by the Su-30MKI.

Russia on Friday made a fresh pitch to India for an advanced engine to upgrade the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter fleet, with the proposal coming during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, Sputnik reported.

The proposed Izdeliye 177S engine is being offered as a potential replacement for the AL-31F/FP powerplants currently used by the Su-30MKI. Russia’s pitch is aimed at delivering a significant performance upgrade without requiring major redesigns to the existing fighter.

The 177S is claimed to generate up to 14.5 tonnes of thrust, while retaining dimensions and weight similar to the AL-31F/FP engine. This, according to the Russian proposition, could allow the powerplant to be integrated into the existing Su-family aircraft, according to Sputnik.

Russia is also pitching the engine on the basis of improved efficiency and service life. The 177S is claimed to have a resource of up to 6,000 hours, along with a reported 7% reduction in fuel consumption across operating modes.

The proposal has been on Russia’s radar for India for some time, with Moscow positioning the engine as a potential transformational upgrade for the Su-30MKI fleet.

The Cost Factor

For India, the proposal also builds on an existing industrial relationship. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited already manufactures and maintains AL-31FP engines under licence, potentially providing an established base for greater domestic involvement in the next-generation powerplant.

However, the Russian offer is not an automatic upgrade for the IAF. Cost and operational considerations remain among India’s apprehensions, with the economics of introducing a new engine and the practical requirements of operating and maintaining it likely to be key factors in any decision.

The engine proposal also comes as India and Russia continue discussions on the Su-57E, Russia’s export version of its fifth-generation fighter.

The two areas of cooperation could potentially tie into a broader conversation on fighter-engine technology and aerospace cooperation between the two countries.

PM Modi, Putin Meet At BRICS Summit

The defence pitch comes against the backdrop of the broader India-Russia strategic relationship being reinforced during Putin’s India visit for the BRICS summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin agreed to further strengthen the countries’ Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, including cooperation in defence and technology.

The two leaders also discussed expanding bilateral trade and cooperation across sectors, while India and Russia reiterated their goal of taking annual bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.

The Su-30MKI engine proposal therefore adds a significant defence dimension to Putin’s BRICS visit, even as Moscow continues to pitch India a wider package of military and aerospace cooperation, including the Su-57E.

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Prisha Vibhavari

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st...Read More

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