Aero India 2025 showstopper SU-57E fighter jet to be manufactured in India?

Russia's multirole fighter aircraft SU-57 manoeuvres during the 1st day of the 15th edition of Aero India 2025 at Yelahanka Airbase in Karnataka's Bengaluru. (PTI)

Su-57E, the fifth-generation fighter jet from Russia, may soon have ‘Made in India’ tag. The stealth combat plane, which will roar in the Bengaluru skies today, has become the showstopper at the ongoing Aero India 2025. A latest report by WION says that Russia’s Rosoboronexport has offered the joint production of the aircraft in India.

There has been no official statement on the development so far. India and Russia have been manufacturing Su-30MKI and the WION report added that Su-57E will be made at the same facilities. Quoting a Rosoboronexport official, the report further said that the state-run company is offering supply of the plane from Russia and joint production on Indian soil.

Russia has 76 of these fifth-generation planes. Apart from India, Russia is also eyeing a deal with UAE for the combat jets. Back in 2007, India and Russia had entered into an agreement to develop the fifth-generation stealth aircraft. However, New Delhi withdrew from the deal citing concerns such as cost and performance.

The Su-57E, which made its debut at Aero India along with American F-35 on Tuesday, is seen as strong competitor of F-35 and F-22 Raptor. However, experts say that Su-57E has the high-performance technique such as supercruise. It is also known for its better agility in comparison with F-35.

The F-35, which is often called ‘flying computer’, has an ultimate advantage over Su-57E. the American stealth jet has capacity to carry nuclear weapons. As against no word from the US defence firms, Russia has offered joint production of Su-57E as well as technology transfer for India’s indigenous fifth-generation combat jet programme.

The Indian Air Force needs fighter jets. As against the sanctioned quote of 42 squadrons, the IAF currently has 31 squadrons. During display of the AMCA full-scale prototype model at the opening ceremony of Aero India 2025, the Aeronautical Development Agency said that ‘deliveries are on track.’