India, Russia Inch Closer to Co-Producing Su-57 Stealth Fighter; Ambassador Alipov Hints at Major Breakthrough Ahead of Putin's Visit
India and Russia are moving closer to a historic defence partnership based on the joint production of the Su-57 fifth-generation jet fighter. The Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov confirmed that the two countries remain right in the middle of longstanding negotiations, with Moscow offering one of its most generous defence technology offers.
Russia's Big Pitch: Full-Scale Technology Transfer
Officials who have knowledge of the negotiations reveal that Russia has offered an extensive cooperation package for the Su-57E variant. The offer includes access to high-end technologies like:
- Source codes
- Stealth composites
- AI-Driven Avionics
- Advanced Sensors
- AESA Radar
- Next-Generation Engines
- Low-Observable Design Tech
- Long-Range Weapon Systems
This is far in excess of the Su-30MKI collaboration and is therefore one of the more open technology-transfer proposals India has ever received.
HAL is likely to anchor the production process in India. The roadmap suggests an initial batch arriving in ready-to-fly condition, followed by full-scale indigenous manufacturing of later units.
Boost for ‘Make in India’ and Long-Term Air Power
The potential partnership aligns directly with India's push for self-reliance in aerospace and defence manufacturing. The policymakers believe the project could support two squadrons initially with further scope for growth once local production brings down the costs.
Even with localisation, the Su-57's estimated price range of $60–75 million remains far below that of Western fifth-generation jets like the F-35, while offering India complete control over upgrades and future development.
Strategic Timing and Renewed Defence Synergy
This renewed push for a joint fifth-generation programme comes almost a decade after India exited an earlier FGFA project. The changed geopolitical priorities and accelerated fighter-development plans of India have generated fresh momentum for cooperation.
The negotiations are taking place alongside other big Indo-Russian projects like S-400 deliveries, possible talks on the S-500, and continued BrahMos expansion. At the Dubai Air Show, Russian officials highlighted the Su-57's performance and emphasized that Moscow is willing to share technologies that Western allies consistently refuse to transfer.
ROSTEC CEO Sergey Chemezov also reaffirmed Russia's readiness to customise the aircraft in accordance with India's long-term operational needs.
Key Announcement Expected during Putin's December Trip
With Russian President Vladimir Putin due to visit India in December, officials expect a big announcement on the Su-57 joint project. If sealed, the deal would mark a generational leap in India's air combat prowess, consolidating indigenous production, ensuring access to state-of-the-art technologies, and reinforcing India's strategic autonomy.
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