Russia’s Su-57 in focus as IAF weighs fifth-generation fighter options: Report

A Sukhoi Su-57 aircraft performs a flypast

• IAF considers Russia's Su-57 for fifth-generation fighter needs
• US F-35 and Rafale jets also under evaluation by India
• Russia offers tech transfer, local production for Su-57 deal

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively examining options to acquire a fifth-generation fighter aircraft, a capability officials now describe as an operational necessity amid reports that Pakistan may receive China’s J-20 stealth jets.

At the centre of current discussion is Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57, which is being considered largely due to cost factors and India’s long-standing experience operating the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet, according to a report by CNN-News18. Officials believe this familiarity could make technology absorption and integration smoother if New Delhi opts for the Russian platform.

“We don’t have many options, and we have our criteria set. Whoever gives us more leverage, we decide in their favour,” a senior defence official privy to the developments told CNN-News18, while clarifying that no final decision has been taken.

The urgency stems from broader regional developments. China has reportedly test-flown sixth-generation fighters and is preparing to supply fifth-generation aircraft to Pakistan. Against this backdrop, Indian planners see fifth-generation capability as critical to maintaining a credible edge.

India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme has gained traction but remains several years away from production. In the interim, the induction of Dassault Rafale jets and the HAL Tejas Mk1A variant is expected to partly address falling squadron numbers.

The US-made Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II also remains under consideration. However, concerns persist over higher acquisition costs and possible restrictions on integrating Indian-origin weapons.

Russia has proposed a comprehensive package centred on the export variant of the Su-57, offering weapons, licensed production and what it calls “unrestricted” transfer of technology. Moscow says the aircraft meets established fifth-generation standards, citing its composite-heavy design, radar-absorbent coatings and internal weapons bays aimed at enhancing stealth.

Separately, the Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has cleared the procurement of 114 additional Rafale jets for the IAF. Cost negotiations are currently underway, with discussions focused on ensuring flexibility to integrate indigenous weapons systems on the platform.

The evaluation process is expected to take a few months and could be finalised in the next fiscal year,  a decision that may significantly shape the IAF’s combat capabilities in the years ahead.

Earlier, Russia has said it is ready to support India’s future fighter aircraft requirements and is willing to offer unrestricted technology transfer for the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, adding that any demand from the Indian side is “completely acceptable.”

The assurance was made on the sidelines of the Dubai Air Show 2025, where senior Russian defence officials outlined the defence cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to India next month.

Sergey Chemezov, CEO of the Russian state defence conglomerate Rostec, emphasised the decades-old defence relationship between the two countries. “India and Russia have been partners for many years. Even when India was under sanctions, we supplied the country with weapons to ensure its security,” he told ANI. “Today, we continue the same approach as in previous years, supplying India with whatever military equipment it needs and ensuring our mutual interests in developing cooperation.”

Chemezov added that Russia remains open to any new requirements from India, whether additional S-400 air defence systems or the Su-57 fighter. “We have strong relations with India, and whatever India requires, we are here to support,” he said.

Su-57 tech transfer and joint production offer

Vadim Badekha, Director General of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) — a Rostec subsidiary — confirmed that all Indian concerns and technical demands regarding the Su-57 have been received positively. “All demands from India regarding the Su-57 are completely acceptable,” he said, adding that Russian officials are in close contact with their Indian counterparts.

Russia is proposing to supply Su-57 aircraft produced in Russia with a gradual pathway to shift production to India in stages.

The package includes licensed production, technology transfer and technological learning of key technologies such as engines, optics, AESA radar, artificial intelligence elements, low-signature technologies and modern air weapons.

Rosoboronexport is also open to working on a joint development of a two-seat version of the aircraft.

Under the proposal, India could also manufacture critical components locally, reducing vulnerability to supply chain disruptions caused by external sanctions. Russian officials described the cooperation as part of a long defence relationship and said it demonstrated “reliability and transparency … without restrictions like other countries do.”