Russia will research the production of Su-57 fighter jets in India, which could revolutionize the modernization of India’s air force.
Russia is now undertaking extensive research to determine the amount of capital needed to start producing its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets in India, which is a major step forward for India’s defense modernization plans.
With an initial demand estimated at two to three squadrons, New Delhi has indicated a growing need for advanced fifth-generation combat aircraft, coinciding with this initiative.
Both the American F-35 and the Russian Su-57 are being considered by the Indian Air Force as viable solutions to close this crucial capability gap.
Through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which produces the Su-30MKI fighter jets domestically at its Nashik facility, India already has a significant amount of experience in the licensed production of aircraft of Russian origin.
According to defense sources, it may be possible to use this industrial capacity to produce Su-57 fighters, which would reduce setup costs and facilitate technology transfer.
Furthermore, India has other manufacturing plants that produce defense systems of Russian origin; these could also be incorporated into the larger ecosystem needed for Su-57 jet assembly locally, increasing cost-effectiveness and advancing the “Make in India” goal for defense manufacturing.
These discussions are especially important in their strategic context. At a time when relations between India and the United States have been strained as a result of Washington’s frequent criticism of New Delhi and the imposition of trade tariffs, India and Russia have been fortifying their defense ties.
In light of this, Russia has been aggressively pressuring India to purchase the Su-57, with top Russian officials highlighting the platform’s technological and strategic benefits.
Notably, India previously took part in Russia’s Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, which is a variation of the Su-57 project, but it left almost ten years ago because of issues with cost, schedules, and technology-sharing arrangements. However, given the current environment and changing geopolitical and security dynamics, it is unlikely that this collaboration will be revived.
Apart from fighter jets, India and Russia have also been discussing high-end defense technologies and advanced air defense systems like the S-400 (which India has already purchased) and the ultra-modern S-500.
The two countries’ growing defense-industrial ties are highlighted by this multifaceted cooperation. Meanwhile, the competition for India’s fifth-generation fighter acquisition program has gotten more intense as the US has been pressuring New Delhi to take the F-35 into consideration.
India has started its own domestic fifth-generation fighter program, called the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, in tandem with these outside offers.
The AMCA program, which was approved by the Indian government last year, aims to develop a fighter aircraft that can fly stealthily. Its first test flight is scheduled for 2028, and it may be introduced by 2035.
Experts agree that although the AMCA initiative reflects India’s long-term drive for defense technology independence, foreign platforms such as the F-35 or Su-57 might still be required in the short term to meet the Indian Air Force’s pressing capability needs.
The assessment of the financial needs for domestic Su-57 production demonstrates Russia’s strong desire to resume a strategic fighter aircraft alliance with India.
A thorough evaluation of cost, technology transfer, industrial participation, and the balance of geopolitical equations with Washington and Moscow will probably determine New Delhi’s final decision.
Therefore, the course of India’s future combat aviation fleet and its larger defense-industrial strategy may be determined in the upcoming months.
