Russian LFI (JSFski)

http://military.topcities.com/russia/lfi.htm

It is most likely that the project will be a joint programme between India and Russia.(or even China).This seems to be a good move – the Russians will be able to overcome their most significant weakness in avionics(If it’s India).Russia will invite India and/or China to pitch in :

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2001/06/04/043.html

New fighter plane project to be discussed

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW, JUNE 4. Russia has formally invited India to pool efforts for the construction of a new fighter jet of the fifth generation that will replace the SU-30MKI(yeah right) plane in the second decade of the 21st century.

The project will be discussed during the first session of the Indo-Russian Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) for military- technical cooperation, which opened in Moscow on Monday, said Mr. Mikhail Pogosyan, head of the Sukhoi plane manufacturers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the session, Mr. Pogosyan said joint development and production of the new fighter plane will deepen and expand Indo-Russian collaboration in the construction of the SU-30MKI plane.

Two weeks ago the Russian Air Force approved updated requirements for the fifth generation Lightweight Frontline Fighter (LFI in Russian acronym) to be developed by a consortium of several Russian companies led by the Sukhoi corporation. It is planned to bring the LFI into service by 2011-2012, simultaneously with the induction of the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). However, the Russian plane will be different from the JSF.

“Our fighter will be heavier and more robust to meet tough operational conditions in the Russian Air Force,” Mr. Pogosyan said.

While the Sukhoi corporation will continue to upgrade the SU-30 plane, the fifth generation fighter will be a new aircraft.

“To stay abreast with world technological progress we should be able to construct the new fighter within six or seven years and to put it in serial production in about 10 years from now,” Mr. Pogosyan said.

Russia is seeking foreign investment to undertake the development of the new fighter valued at about $1 billion. The Moscow Times daily quoted defence industry sources as saying that out of Russia’s arms customers “only India and China have enough financial resources” to help fund the project. Russia favours inviting India, the newspaper said, as it enjoys warmer relations with New Delhi than Beijing.
link : http://www.the-hindu.com/stories/0105000b.htm

http://military.topcities.com/russia/lfi1.jpg