Russia Proposes Joint Production of Su-57 Stealth Fighter in India

By Shivam Patel and Abhijith Ganapavaram
BENGALURU, India (Reuters) – Russia has extended an offer to manufacture its advanced fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet in India, a move aimed at bolstering defense ties between Moscow and New Delhi, officials from both countries confirmed on Tuesday.

The proposal, discussed with Indian government representatives and state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), comes at a time when India is seeking to strengthen its air force amid rising regional tensions. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 31 fighter squadrons—well below its target of 42—as neighboring China continues to expand its military capabilities.

A spokesperson for Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, stated that if accepted, production of the Su-57 could commence in India as early as this year. The offer includes a full transfer of technology, ensuring that manufacturing and maintenance remain unaffected by Western sanctions imposed on Russia following the Ukraine conflict.

Russia has long been India’s primary defense supplier, with its fighter jets forming a crucial component of India’s military arsenal. However, Moscow’s arms exports have faced challenges in recent years due to geopolitical constraints, prompting India to explore alternative sources, including Western defense manufacturers.

India’s defense ministry has yet to comment on the proposal.

The Su-57, designed to rival the U.S.-made Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, has faced setbacks, including development delays and a crash in 2019. Despite these challenges, Russia claims serial production of the aircraft began in 2022.

Rosoboronexport officials suggested that the Su-57 could be integrated into India’s existing Sukhoi Su-30 production line, which currently supplies 260 aircraft to the IAF.

Both the Su-57 and the F-35 were prominently showcased at the Aero India aerospace exhibition in Bengaluru, reflecting the competition between Russian and Western defense technologies in the Indian market.

The proposal aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, which seeks to transform the country into a global manufacturing hub and reduce dependence on foreign military imports.

Last year, Russia demonstrated the Su-57 at China’s Zhuhai Airshow—its first international appearance—underscoring deepening defense cooperation between Moscow and Beijing amid growing Western pressure.