Russia Proposes Local Production of Su-57E Fighters in India
Russia has offered India the option to manufacture its Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter using existing infrastructure set up for the Su-30MKI. Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter, announced that if India finalizes the deal, production could commence at facilities currently assembling the Su-30MKI. The proposal was reiterated ahead of the Aero India 2025 exhibition.
India operates approximately 260 Su-30MKI fighters, with over 220 produced locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). In December 2024, HAL signed a US$1.5 billion contract to procure 12 additional aircraft, while the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved a fleet modernization plan in November 2023. Russia has also expressed willingness to support this upgrade program by integrating new weapons and avionics into the aircraft.
Beyond the Su-57E offer, Rosoboronexport has proposed collaborating with Indian industries on the development of the country’s indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Meanwhile, the United States has also pitched its F-35 Lightning II fighter to India, but the Indian government has not indicated a decision on either aircraft.
The Indian Air Force is currently dealing with an aging fleet, delayed Tejas fighter deliveries, and an increasing capability gap with China, which operates J-20 and J-35A stealth aircraft. While Russia’s proposal aligns with India’s efforts to expand domestic manufacturing, discussions around foreign fifth-generation aircraft continue as India evaluates its long-term defense procurement strategy.