Tech transfer key to India's defense autonomy

In a significant development that could reshape the contours of India's defense capabilities, Russia has offered to make its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 in India for the Indian Air Force.

- RASHI RANDEV

This innovative proposal, announced on June 4, 2025, represents the most comprehensive technology transfer deal ever offered to India in the defense sector.

The Su-57E is the export variant of the Su-57. It consists of advanced radar systems, hides weapons inside internal bays instead of outside, and has a slanted shape that deflects radar waves.

Its curved air intakes also block radar from seeing the engine blades. It has the capability for sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.

It is designed with stealth features to make it harder for enemies to detect and is a comprehensive suite of weaponry optimized for air superiority and precision strike missions.

Together, these features reduce the jet's radar and heat signatures, making it much harder to spot or track.

It is considered a technologically mature and combat-proven platform that could potentially be integrated into the Indian Air Force with relative ease.

Russia's offer, which was presented by Rosoboronexport and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) at Aero India 2025, extends beyond a conventional supply and demand arrangement.

It proposes joint production of the Su-57E at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Nashik facility, where the Su-30MKI is already assembled.

The Russian proposal includes a transfer of technology, which allows India to customize the aircraft with indigenous systems like AESA radars, avionics and weaponry.

This flexibility in the proposal aligns with the push for self-reliance with the 'Make in India' initiative, serving as a catalyst for transforming the country into a global manufacturing hub for domestic defense production and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.