ISLAMABAD: Russia has proposed manufacturing its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-57, in India for the Indian Air Force, as Moscow seeks to strengthen defense ties with New Delhi, according to Russian and Indian officials on Tuesday.
For decades, Russia has been India’s primary weapons supplier, with its fighter jets forming a key part of India’s military fleet. However, Russia’s ability to export defense equipment has been hindered by the ongoing war in Ukraine, prompting India to explore Western alternatives.
A spokesperson from Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, confirmed that production of the Sukhoi Su-57 could begin as early as this year, contingent upon approval from the Indian government. India’s defense ministry has not yet commented on the offer.
Sources revealed that the offer was informally presented during talks between Russian officials and representatives from India’s government and state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
This proposal comes as the Indian Air Force seeks to address its dwindling fighter jet fleet, which has fallen to 31 squadrons, well below the target of 42. Meanwhile, China has been rapidly expanding its air force.
The production of the Su-57 in India would include a full transfer of technology, ensuring that both production and maintenance would remain unaffected by potential Western sanctions on Russia. The aircraft could be produced with upgrades to the Indian production line of the Sukhoi Su-30, with 260 units currently in the Indian Air Force’s fleet.
Both the Sukhoi Su-57 and the U.S. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet were displayed at the Aero India exhibition in Bengaluru.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has been focused on making India a global manufacturing hub and promoting self-reliance in defense production.
Although the Sukhoi Su-57 is touted as a Russian counterpart to the U.S. F-35, the jet has faced development delays and a crash in 2019. Serial production of the Su-57 began in 2022. Last year, Russia showcased the aircraft at the Zhuhai Airshow in China, signaling strengthened China-Russia cooperation.
