Russia Revise Defense Menu Ahead Of Putin's Visit

As India and Russia prepare for high-level defense talks ahead of President Putin’s visit in late 2025, the spotlight is turning toward the 177S engine—a next-generation tactical turbofan poised to reshape propulsion strategy across platforms. Designed for integration into Sukhoi-class fighters, including potential upgrades to India’s Su-30MKI fleet, the 177S offers a thrust output of up to 14,500 kgf with afterburner, surpassing current AL-31FP and AL-41F1 benchmarks. Its compact dimensions allow drop-in compatibility, while advanced digital controls and thermal efficiency improvements support supercruise capability and reduced infrared signature. A key feature is its three-dimensional thrust vectoring, enabling pitch, yaw, and roll control through nozzle deflection—critical for post-stall maneuvering and missile evasion. The engine’s modular architecture aligns with India’s push for indigenous fighter development, offering a bridge between legacy platforms and future stealth designs. As part of the revised Russia–India defense deal, the 177S is being positioned not just as hardware but as a strategic enabler—potentially co-produced with Indian industry. With delays in Western engine collaborations and rising regional threats, the 177S could emerge as a pivotal element in India’s airpower roadmap, reinforcing the bilateral defense axis while advancing self-reliance in aerospace propulsion.