With an eye on what could be a game-changing contract for the Russian defense industry, Moscow is reportedly exploring investment plans to manufacture the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jets in India. This follows a renewed offer for technology transfer and joint production of the Russian jet made to New Delhi in March 2025.
Meanwhile, Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Director Dmitry Shugayev recently said, “As is known, India has our S-400 system. There is an opportunity to expand cooperation in this sector as well. It means new supplies. So far, we are negotiating this,” he said, adding that another area of cooperation is supplies of Su-57 fighter jets to India.
Citing unidentified defense sources, Indian media reported that the Russian defense agencies are currently conducting internal analyses to ascertain the amount of capital needed to produce the Su-57 aircraft in India. The idea is to reduce costs, shorten timelines, and leverage existing infrastructure for added convenience.
The potential partners for local Su-57 manufacture include state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has previously been contracted to assemble the Su-30MKI at its Nashik facility, the report noted.
However, other Indian defense manufacturing facilities that currently manufacture Russian-origin equipment can also be called in, if the program proceeds. This would, however, be contingent on a green light from India.
The report comes months after the Russian state exporter Rosoboronexport said it would leverage the existing Su-30MKI infrastructure for the local production of Su-57E in India, as reported by the EurAsian Times at the time.
“In case of a positive decision by the Indian side, the production of the Russian fifth-generation Su-57E fighter jet can be started at the factories currently producing the Su-30MKI fighter within a short time,” it stated in March
Notably, India was earlier a partner in the Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program for production of the Su-57. However, India unilaterally exited the program in 2018 due to concerns, including exorbitant costs, inadequate technology transfer, and a less-than-desirable stealth of the platform.
Russia made a fresh Su-57 offer to India in February 2025 and later expanded the scope of the offer and sweetened the deal. The comprehensive offer made by Russia now includes three things: local production of Su-57E, modernization of Su-30MKI, and assistance with India’s own fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
Emerging from the throes of a recent border conflict with Pakistan, India has been mulling the purchase of two to three squadrons of a fifth-generation fighter as a stopgap solution until its own AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) is ready for induction.
In addition to the Su-57, India was also offered the F-35 Lightning II verbally by US President Donald Trump. However, that offer has been effectively rejected amid sustained tensions.
The unidentified sources cited by India Today said that they would not rule out the collaboration on fighter jet development between India and Russia, especially since the two sides are pursuing closer India–Russia defence ties with the potential sale of other systems, such as additional S-400 and S-500 air defense systems, on the agenda.
Moreover, the two countries have been pushed closer to one another by US President Donald Trump, who has relentlessly attacked India and punished it with additional tariffs for buying Russian oil.
Struggle To Export Su-57: A Gist
The Su-57 is a supersonic, twin-engine fifth-generation aircraft designed to destroy air, ground, and naval targets. Designed to compete with NATO’s fifth-generation fighters, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the aircraft features enhanced stealth with the help of composite materials and can reach a supersonic cruising speed.
It is a multi-role fighter jet, capable of performing air superiority missions, ground attacks, reconnaissance missions, and electronic warfare. Russia is integrating a host of lethal weapon systems on the Su-57 platform, including the long-range R-37M missile, as well as hypersonic missiles, as also reported by the EurAsian Times.
Additionally, the aircraft is being integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance threat detection, decision-making, and pilot support.
However, these cutting-edge features of the aircraft have failed to attract buyers, five years after the aircraft entered service in Russia in 2020.
So far, Russia has signed just one export contract, reportedly with Algeria (not officially confirmed), an abysmal record for a country whose fighter jets have held ‘legendary status’ in the past.
Purchase Of Su-57 Could Boost Russia
If India goes ahead with the Su-57 deal, it could inject billions into Russia’s sanctions-hit economy and tremendously enhance its marketing efforts for stealth fighters.
While no deal is confirmed yet, the discussions highlight a deepening Indo-Russian defense collaboration that could reshape Russia’s position in the international arms market.
Russia’s defense exports have a proven track record of gaining momentum through high-profile deals with India. A prime example is the Su-30MKI, India’s customized variant of the Su-30 multirole fighter.
India’s acquisition and operational success with the Su-30MKI in the early 2000s directly influenced other nations, such as Malaysia, which modeled its Su-30MKM on the Indian version.
The platform’s demonstrated versatility—featuring thrust-vectoring engines, canards, and integrated avionics from multiple countries—made it a flagship for Russian technology in export markets.
This precedent could repeat with the Su-57.
India’s air force, facing squadron shortages and the need for stealth capabilities to counter regional threats like China’s J-20, has expressed interest in procuring 2-3 squadrons (approximately 24-36 aircraft) initially, with options for local production.
If India partners with Russia for the Su-57 production, it could serve as a powerful endorsement, attracting buyers from the Global South who are denied access to U.S. alternatives like the F-35 due to political restrictions or high costs.
The Su-57 has faced global skepticism, particularly after India’s withdrawal from the joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program in 2018 over concerns about stealth performance, engine reliability, and limited technology sharing.
Russia has since addressed these issues by offering unprecedented concessions, including full source code access, joint modifications, and co-production at Indian facilities like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
This signals Russia’s shift toward more flexible partnerships, positioning it as a reliable alternative to Western suppliers. A deal with India could dispel doubts about the Su-57’s combat readiness.
Russia’s struggles to sell the jet—despite showcases at international air shows—stem partly from its limited operational deployment and Western sanctions. India’s endorsement, backed by its experience with sophisticated jets like the Rafale and its history of adapting Russian platforms, could open doors to markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
For instance, countries like Algeria or Vietnam, already operating Russian aircraft, might follow suit. Moreover, joint production in India could enable exports to third parties, similar to how the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile has been supplied to the Philippines.
India’s purchase of the Su-57 will infuse fresh life into the Russian arms industry. It is pertinent to note that Russian arms exports have seen a steep decline in recent years, owing to slowed manufacturing, preoccupation with the Ukraine War, and industrial difficulties caused by international sanctions.
According to the latest SIPRI report, Russia’s arms exports decreased by 64% between 2015–19 and 2020–24.
A Su-57 deal with India could provide a much-needed lifeline, generating billions in revenue from direct sales, technology transfer fees, and licensed manufacturing.
The economic benefits extend beyond defense. India’s increased purchases of Russian oil—now accounting for a significant portion of bilateral trade—could indirectly fund this collaboration.
Shared production lines would boost Russia’s own procurement of Su-57 units for its air force by reducing costs through economies of scale and shortening delivery timelines. This influx of capital would allow reinvestment in other projects, such as hypersonic weapons or next-generation engines.
Russia is assessing investments for customizing the Su-57 to Indian specifications, potentially including integration with indigenous avionics or missiles. This partnership could accelerate R&D, incorporating Indian innovations in stealth materials, AI-driven systems, and sensor fusion—benefits that spill over to Russia’s domestic fleet.
For Russia, facing industrial constraints, Indian facilities could serve as an additional hub, enabling faster upgrades and exports. This could enhance the Su-57’s competitiveness against rivals like the F-35, particularly in markets seeking affordable, less restrictive options.
The Su-57 sale to India would not only address India’s urgent need for advanced fighters but also provide Russia with a strategic boost.
By leveraging India’s market influence, overcoming export hurdles, and fostering collaborative innovation, Russia could revive its defense industry amid the gruelling Ukraine War.
However, the deal’s success hinges on navigating geopolitical pressures, including U.S. sanctions and India’s push for self-reliance through programs like the AMCA.
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