SOURCE: AFI
India is reportedly considering a landmark proposal from Russia to locally manufacture the Sukhoi Su-57, its advanced fifth-generation fighter jet, in a move that could redefine the two nations’ decades-long defence partnership. Dmitry Shugaev, Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), shared this development with Sputnik on the sidelines of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, signalling a potential expansion of collaboration under India’s “Make in India” initiative.
Shugaev’s comments to Sputnik suggest that India is actively evaluating the offer, though no final decision has been made. He emphasized Russia’s readiness to facilitate local manufacturing, potentially at facilities like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has a history of producing Russian-designed aircraft such as the Su-30MKI. This move aligns with India’s strategic goal of reducing dependence on foreign imports and enhancing its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, a key pillar of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision.
The Su-57 is seen as a strategic asset for India, which has been seeking to modernize its air force amid rising tensions with China and Pakistan. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates a mix of fourth-generation fighters, including Russian Su-30MKIs, French Rafales, and indigenous Tejas jets, but lacks a fifth-generation platform to match the capabilities of China’s J-20 or Pakistan’s potential acquisition of the J-35. The Su-57, with its ability to engage both air and ground targets, carry long-range missiles, and evade detection, could fill this gap, providing a cost-effective alternative to Western options like the F-35.
Russia has been aggressively marketing the Su-57 globally, positioning it as a combat-proven aircraft following its use in Ukraine against Western air defence systems like the Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T. At IDEX 2025, Russian officials, including Shugaev, highlighted the jet’s versatility and reliability, arguing that it offers a balance of performance and affordability. For India, the prospect of local production is particularly attractive, as it would reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, and allow for customization to meet specific operational needs, such as adapting to India’s diverse terrains and climatic conditions.
Shugaev’s remarks suggest that Russia is willing to go beyond mere sales, offering a framework for co-production that could involve technology transfer and joint development. This approach echoes past collaborations, such as the now-defunct Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, which aimed to adapt the Su-57 for Indian requirements but was abandoned in 2018 due to cost overruns, technology transfer disputes, and performance concerns. Russia now appears to be addressing these issues, with officials at IDEX 2025 emphasizing a more flexible and transparent partnership.
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