SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development at Aero India 2025, held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Russia has extended a comprehensive offer to India for the local manufacturing of its Su-57E, the export variant of its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. The proposal, presented by Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-owned defence export agency, and the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), includes a full Transfer of Technology (ToT), enabling India to customize the aircraft with Indigenous systems and subsystems. This offer, detailed in discussions with idrw.org by a senior Rostec official, positions the Su-57E as a potential cornerstone of India’s defense modernization, while also supporting the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative through local production and technological collaboration.
Russia’s offer to manufacture the Su-57E locally in India, potentially at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Nashik facility, where the Su-30MKI was manufactured. The proposal comes at a time when India is pursuing its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, a fifth-generation fighter still in the design phase, with production not expected until 2034-35. The Su-57E is positioned as a potential interim solution to bridge the gap in India’s fighter capabilities, while also offering technological benefits that could support the AMCA’s development.
A key highlight of Russia’s offer is the comprehensive Transfer of Technology, which would allow India to customize the Su-57E to meet its specific operational requirements. Speaking to idrw.org, a Rostec official emphasized that the ToT would enable India to integrate indigenous systems and subsystems into the aircraft, similar to the approach being taken with the AMCA. This flexibility is a significant departure from traditional defence deals, where foreign suppliers often impose restrictions on modifications.
When asked whether India would have the freedom to replace Russian systems with locally developed ones, the official stated that Russia is open to further customization, though the extent of changes would require detailed discussions. “The offer of ToT will allow India to make customizations of the aircraft that could include Indian-made systems and sub-components,” the official said. “Further talks will be needed to see what changes India will want, but Russia will be open to such modifications.”
This openness to customization is a strategic move by Russia, aimed at addressing India’s concerns about technological dependency and ensuring that the Su-57E aligns with the country’s self-reliance goals. Potential areas for Indian customization could include avionics, electronic warfare systems, and weaponry, leveraging systems already under development for the AMCA, such as indigenous AESA radars, mission computers, and precision-guided munitions.
The engine powering the Su-57E is a critical aspect of the offer, given its impact on performance, stealth, and operational capabilities. The Rostec official clarified to idrw.org that the engine currently on offer is the AL-41F-1S (also known as Izdeliye 117S), a proven afterburning turbofan engine that powers the initial batches of the Su-57. The AL-41F-1S delivers a dry thrust of 9 tonnes and an afterburning thrust of 14.5 tonnes, enabling the aircraft to achieve supersonic speeds and enhanced manoeuvrability.
When queried about the more advanced AL-51 (Izdeliye 30) engine, which is designed specifically for the Su-57 and offers improved performance, including supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners), the official noted that this engine is still undergoing testing and has not yet entered full-scale production. “The AL-51 might not be on offer immediately, but it could be offered at later stages once it is fully developed and production-ready,” the official said.
The AL-51, with its higher thrust (11 tonnes dry and 17.5 tonnes with afterburner) and enhanced stealth features, such as serrated exhaust nozzles to reduce infrared and radar signatures, represents a significant upgrade over the AL-41F-1S. Its potential inclusion in the Su-57E at a later stage could enhance the aircraft’s appeal, aligning it more closely with India’s long-term requirements for a fifth-generation fighter.
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