THE SU 57 CONUNDRUM

Revolutionising Su-57! Why India Is The Only Country That Can Boost The Fortunes Of Russia's Stealth Fighter

- SAKSHI TIWARI

With an eye on what could be a game-changing contract for the Russian defence 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 could be the supply of Su-57 fighter jets to India.

Citing unidentified defence sources, Indian media reported that the Russian defence 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 defence manufacturing facilities that currently produce 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.