Russia will deliver its first FGFA in 36 months instead of the previous estimation of 94 months. After the first batch built in Russia, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will takeover the production under transfer of technology.
India was supposed to have a hand in designing software and providing composites for PAK FA project. That hasn't happened. PMF was to be modified through a joint venture with Indian industries. That also hasn't happened.
- At this stage, we cannot make "huge changes" in the aircraft, because we have none of the required information.
- If India and Russia sign on for a long-term design and production contract around PAK FA project, only then will India have design inputs into the aircraft.
- Without said project, even if India decides to buy T-50s, we would be looking at a venture similar to MKI: that is, Russia modifies aircraft with respect to our requirements.
The item 117 engines have not yet been finalised, and so the T-50 prototypes are flying on uprated AL-31 family engines.