Russian Think Tank Warns India of “Vulnerabilities” in American-Made Fighter Jets

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Amid intensified efforts to sell F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to India, a Russian think tank has issued a warning that the avionics systems of American-made fighter jets possess significant “vulnerabilities” that could entrap purchasing nations.

The Moscow-based Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT) cautioned that these avionics systems might be equipped with mechanisms referred to as “backdoors.”

CAWAT Director Igor Korotchenko explained that these “backdoors” have the capability to remotely deactivate critical avionics functions in American-made fighter jets during operations.

He noted that such mechanisms could be employed by the producing nation to disable specific avionics functions, particularly during missions that conflict with the producing country’s interests.

While CAWAT’s warning remains speculative, the possibility of “backdoors” or “kill switches” embedded in fighter jet avionics and remotely controllable by the producing nation is not unprecedented.

Despite denials from U.S. defense companies about the existence of such mechanisms, they have done little to quell speculation and concerns among nations purchasing American defense equipment, including fighter jets.

BRIEF:

Amid growing competition to sell advanced fighter jets to India, the Russian think tank Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT) has warned about potential vulnerabilities in the avionics systems of American-made F-16 and F-35 jets. According to CAWAT, these systems could contain “backdoors” capable of remotely disabling critical functions during missions, particularly in scenarios that conflict with U.S. interests.

While such claims remain speculative, they have fueled concerns among nations reliant on U.S. defense technology. Russia, meanwhile, has positioned its fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet as a superior alternative, highlighting its advanced stealth features, supersonic cruising capabilities, and powerful radar systems.

India has shown interest in the Su-57, with plans for a two-seat variant to be developed under the “Make in India” initiative. Russia’s offer includes technology transfer to enable local production, promising a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities. The debate reflects India’s strategic need to modernize its airpower in the face of regional challenges, including Pakistan’s acquisition of China’s J-35A.

Pakistan’s acquisition of the Chinese-made fifth-generation J-35A fighter jet has placed India in an uncomfortable position, as its airpower now faces a credible challenge from Islamabad.

In response, Russia has offered its fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet to India, promising the advanced technology required to counter the growing threat posed by fifth-generation aircraft.

The Su-57, equipped with stealth capabilities, is positioned as a technological leap for India under its “Make in India” initiative.

India has expressed interest in the Su-57 and discussions are already underway for developing a two-seat version of the jet under the same program.

Unlike the standard single-seat platform, India’s Su-57 variant will feature a two-seat configuration, with potential local production by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

CAWAT emphasized that India needs a fifth-generation fighter jet with equivalent capabilities to rival regional powers.

However, New Delhi currently lacks the capacity to develop such an aircraft independently.

“India has two options: purchase a fifth-generation fighter jet from either Russia or the United States. The F-35 offered by the U.S. falls short in several key parameters compared to the Su-57,” Korotchenko stated.

He further highlighted the risks associated with American military technology, particularly sensitive systems like fifth-generation fighters.

These include potential embedded software or hardware “backdoors” that could incapacitate the jets during conflicts.

“Thus, India risks being unable to fully leverage American technology, especially during future military conflicts,” Korotchenko told Sputnik India.

He added, “The Su-57, with its advanced features — radar-evading stealth, cutting-edge onboard intelligence, supersonic cruising capabilities, and a powerful active radar system — offers the capabilities India requires.”

Moreover, Russia has expressed its willingness to transfer production technology, enabling India to domestically manufacture the Su-57.

This would provide a significant technological boost under the “Make in India” initiative, Korotchenko concluded. — DSA