India can start producing fifth-gen Sukhoi-57E fighter jets in 'short time': Russia's Rosoboronexport

'It is possible to boost combat capabilities of the Su-30MKI jet by way of integrating new air-launched weapons and upgrading onboard systems,' Rosoboronexport said

Russia’s Sukhoi 57, which recently grabbed eyeballs in the recently concluded Aero India and is also one of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft, has been once again being pitched by Rosoboronexport to India.

Russian state-owned TASS News Agency reported on March 7 that  Rosoboronexport stated, "In case of a positive decision by the Indian side, the production of the Russian fifth-generation Su-57E fighter jet can be started at the factories currently producing the Su-30MKI fighter within a short time."

Rosoboronexport is ready to implement the program of upgrading a fleet of the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighters, broadly involving enterprises of India’s industry in this effort, the company said.

"It is possible to boost combat capabilities of the Su-30MKI jet by way of integrating new air-launched weapons and upgrading onboard systems," it said. "Today the continuation of the program of producing these aircraft in India is being discussed. We expect good news in the near future," it said.

Meanwhile Russia’s ambassador to New Delhi Denis Alipov said, "We are offering our own fifth generation fighter. We have the best machine, Sukhoi-57. We just showed it, displayed it at Aero India last month in Bangalore. It is very competitive," he stated at a conclave organized by India Today TV channel.

"We are offering not only to sell but to co-produce. We offer technology sharing. We offer industry with creation of necessary industrial facilities for production. We are open to configuration changes. So this is a very lucrative deal that we offer to India," Alipov added.

Earlier, the Defence Ministry in a statement described the Su-57 aircraft as, “Russia’s premier stealth multi-role fighter” is designed for stellar air superiority and strike capabilities.

“Equipped with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and stealth technology, it is making its debut at Aero India 2025. Visitors can expect high-speed aerial manoeuvres and tactical demonstrations that highlight the fighter’s agility, stealth and firepower,” the Defence Ministry statement said.

*With Agency Inputs