Russia evaluating costs for producing Su-57 fifth-gen fighter aircraft in India: Report

Sukhoi Su-57 jet fighter aircraft

Russia is conducting studies to assess the investments required for manufacturing its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft in India amid growing strategic engagement with New Delhi, defence sources told ANI.

India has indicated a requirement for at least two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighter jets, with the Russian Su-57 and American F-35 among the contenders for the project.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which already manufactures Su-30MKI fighter jets under license at its Nashik facility, could also be used for Su-57 production if required, sources said to ANI. They added that several other Indian facilities engaged in producing Russian-origin defence platforms may also contribute to local manufacturing of the aircraft, thereby helping reduce costs.

The discussions come at a time when India and Russia have stepped up defence cooperation, even as the US has been pushing the F-35 platform and simultaneously raising trade-related issues with New Delhi.

Russian leadership has for long urged India to consider the Su-57, and the possibility of reviving the earlier joint fifth-generation fighter aircraft project—which India exited nearly a decade ago—cannot be ruled out in the current geopolitical environment, sources noted.

India, meanwhile, is also pursuing its indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme, cleared last year, with the first flight expected around 2028 and induction targeted by 2035.

Earlier, according to a Reuters report, Russia proposed to manufacture its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft in India with complete transfer of technology, if the Indian government gives its nod, officials said.

A spokesperson for Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter, told Reuters that the jet could enter production in India as early as this year. “Producing the aircraft locally will ensure that manufacturing and maintenance are not disrupted by Western sanctions,” the spokesperson told reporters on the sidelines of the Aero India aerospace exhibition in Bengaluru.

According to a Russian industry source and an Indian official, the offer was conveyed informally in discussions with representatives of the Indian government and state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The proposal comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is seeking to strengthen its combat fleet, with its squadron strength down to 31 against a sanctioned 42, even as China expands its air power.

Rosoboronexport officials said the aircraft could be produced by upgrading existing production lines used for the Su-30 fleet, of which India operates around 260.

Both the Su-57 and the US-made F-35 Lightning II were on display at the Bengaluru exhibition. The move also dovetails with the government’s push to expand domestic defence manufacturing and achieve greater self-reliance in critical military systems.

Earlier, according to a Reuters report, Russia proposed to manufacture its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft in India with complete transfer of technology, if the Indian government gives its nod, officials said.

A spokesperson for Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter, told Reuters that the jet could enter production in India as early as this year. “Producing the aircraft locally will ensure that manufacturing and maintenance are not disrupted by Western sanctions,” the spokesperson told reporters on the sidelines of the Aero India aerospace exhibition in Bengaluru.

According to a Russian industry source and an Indian official, the offer was conveyed informally in discussions with representatives of the Indian government and state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The proposal comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is seeking to strengthen its combat fleet, with its squadron strength down to 31 against a sanctioned 42, even as China expands its air power.

Rosoboronexport officials said the aircraft could be produced by upgrading existing production lines used for the Su-30 fleet, of which India operates around 260.

Both the Su-57 and the US-made F-35 Lightning II were on display at the Bengaluru exhibition. The move also dovetails with the government’s push to expand domestic defence manufacturing and achieve greater self-reliance in critical military systems.

*With Agency Inputs