FGFA's R & D Phase Yet To Be Concluded

The Research & Development (R&D) phase of Indian Air Force’s Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project is yet to be concluded, Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar said in a Parliament today.

As per the draft R&D Contract, the delivery of FGFA can commence after 94 months from the start of the contract. However, the contract is yet to be signed.

The Preliminary Design phase of the project was completed by June 2013.

“A contract for the R & D phase is being prepared and is expected to be signed this year,” Yuli Slyusar, President and Chairman of the Management Board of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)said during the Aero India Air Show.

“The export version of the 5th generation fighter, the perspective multi-functional fighter (PMF-FGFA) is being created in partnership with India. The Russian and Indian parties have generally agreed on the work share of each party,” he said.

The Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) was the previous designation for the Indian version, while now the combined project is called the Perspective Multi-Role Fighter (PMF).

The completed PMF will include a total of 43 improvements over the T-50, including stealth, super cruise, advanced sensors, networking and combat avionics. Two separate prototypes will be developed, one by Russia and a separate one by India.