Although India is inching closer to finalizing a contract to acquire 114 French Rafale aircraft while accelerating work on its indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), there is an indication that it has not completely closed the lid on the Su-57 fifth-generation aircraft.
Speaking to ANI News about the status of the partnership between HAL and Russia on the Su-57 fighter, the Chairman and Managing Director of the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Dr. D.K. Sunil, said, “I think presentations have been made regarding the Su-57 to the Air Force team by the Russian team regarding the capabilities of the aircraft. We have had one estimation of the capacity of our Plants for the Russian equipment. A committee of Russians has also studied and said that roughly 50% of the facilities can be used for producing this aircraft, but some new investments will be required.”
“We are awaiting the Russian quotation about the investment. Then we will approach the Air Force that these are the kind of numbers required to produce these aircraft and these are the timelines…” he added.
Russian defense agencies were conducting internal analyses to determine the capital required to produce the Su-57 in India, with an eye on reducing costs, shortening timelines, and leveraging existing infrastructure such as the Su-30MKI manufacturing facilities, as previously reported by the EurAsian Times.
The HAL Chairman’s statement comes months after reports, citing sources, stated that HAL was awaiting a report on the overall cost the Indian side would incur if a positive decision were taken on the Su-57 acquisition.
Further, it suggests that India is not yet committing to or rejecting the offer, but is merely in a pre-decision, information-gathering phase.
Earlier, the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, adopted a cautious tone when speaking about the Russian offer at a press conference ahead of the Air Force in October 2025.
“As far as SU-57 is concerned, I just want to say that we have to weigh all the options, and we in the defense ministry and in the Indian Air Force have a very set process of induction of any weapon system, and that process will be followed. So what comes will depend on what meets the requirement and what is best for us,” the IAF chief had said at the time.
The HAL chairman’s statement signals that New Delhi has not yet abandoned the prospect of buying the Russian fighter, contrary to popular belief that it is solely focusing on advancing work on the AMCA and proceeding with the acquisition of Rafales.
As per previous reports in the Indian media, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) informed a parliamentary panel that it intends to finalize large contracts in the next fiscal year to strengthen its air power, including 114 Rafale fighter jets, up to 60 medium transport aircraft (MTA), and additional airborne early warning and control (AEW&C).
It must be noted that 114 Dassault Aviation jets alone are expected to cost 3.25 lakh rupees or $35.65 billion.
Last month, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) shortlisted three industry contenders to design and build prototypes of the aircraft, including Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, a consortium of Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Electronics Limited, and a consortium of Bharat Forge, BEML Limited, and Data Patterns.
In addition to the Rafale and AMCA, India is also planning to join a European sixth-generation fighter program.
When asked whether India would consider making a fresh investment in setting up the infrastructure for the production of Su-57 in the country, along with all these big purchases, IAF veteran and military commentator, Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), said succinctly: “It is going to be difficult.” However, “There seems to be a sustained interest in the Russian Su-57 regardless,” he added.
It is pertinent to note that India is currently staring at a massive stealth gap with China, which is expected to operate about 1,000 J-20 stealth fighters by the time India rolls out its first batch of AMCA in the mid-2030s. Beijing has also started serial production of the J-35 stealth fighter, which it may also eventually transfer to Pakistan.
If pursued, the local production of the Su-57 could help bridge the IAF’s squadron shortfall and provide an operational stealth fighter years before the indigenous AMCA reaches full operational capability.
Additionally, leveraging the existing Su-30MKI lines would mean the aircraft would have some indigenous content, help create jobs, support supply-chain development, and enable long-term maintenance independence.
Some experts argue that the cost of producing the Su-57 would be significantly lower because of the existing infrastructure in place for the Sukhoi-30 MKI jets.
However, it seems the decision would be contingent on the costs, which the Russians have yet to furnish. The HAL Chairman’s statement underscores that everything remains exploratory, and the final call rests with the IAF and the government.
Su-57E Golden Offer To India
Russia first officially pitched the Su-57E to India at the Aero India 2025 air show, followed by a “golden deal” proposal that included the supply of ready-made aircraft, the production of the Su-57 in India, and assistance in developing the AMCA.
The Russian state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, later generously expanded the offer, saying it would leverage the existing Su-30MKI infrastructure to support local production of the Su-57E in India, as previously reported by the EurAsian Times.
The Russian side has been studying the capital expenditure required to pull this off, should India give a green light to the acquisition of the Russian jet.
Russia made additional changes to the deal in November 2025, adding knowledge transfer, a possible two-seat version, and complete licensed manufacturing of the Su-57E in India.
In an interview at the time, Russian ambassador to India Denis Alipov stated, “Intensive work is underway across a range of areas, including the Su-57E platform, which can be utilized to implement India’s program for developing its own fifth-generation fighter.”
It recently reiterated its offer, this time offering a two-seat variant of the aircraft to New Delhi. Moscow states that the variant would offer greater operational flexibility, including pilot training, intricate mission management, and manned-unmanned teaming between the fighter and loyam wingman drones. Further, it said that Indian-made weaponry and subsystems would also need to be integrated into the acquisition.
The Russian offer, which includes full technology transfer for vital parts such as engines, AESA radar, low-observable technology, AI elements, and phased local manufacture in India, as well as co-development tailored to the IAF’s requirements, appears alluring.
However, the Indian defense community remains skeptical, citing previous experience with the FGFA program the two countries jointly pursued. Moreover, there have been concerns about the aircraft’s stealth capabilities and potential US sanctions under the current Trump administration.
For now, the HAL is awaiting a cost estimate from Russia.
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