In contrast, based on official exchange rates, the CIA figures list Russia and Australia as having similar GDP in 2016: $1.188 trillion (Russia) to $1.262 trillion (Australia)(2016 estimate).
Purchasing power parity is based on a market basket of goods and services priced around the world. While intuitively appealing, it is not at all clear that in this instance the PPP concept should be preferred. Nominal accounting seems to fit better because a cutting edge fighter aircraft is a long term project.
In any event, the author's point is surely valid. Russia's financial and technical resources are grossly inadequate to building the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter on the announced schedule -- and especially so without India participating in the project.
PPP is fundamentally flawed when it comes to comparing overall living standards between countries but it is rather precise if you want to compare costs.
Utilities, materials, labor and taxes in Russia are nowhere near that of Australia. You can expect their plane to be a bigger bang for a buck.
Agreed.
Russia & India have been dance partners for many years, hard to understand why, easy to suppose Indians ready for different music & a new partner.