Stating that it is ready to support India’s future fighter aircraft requirements, Russia has offered full technology transfer for the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet, saying there would be no limitations and that any request from the Indian side is “completely acceptable.”
The assurance signals that defence could be a key discussion area when Russian President Vladimir Putin visits India next month.
Even as the West presses New Delhi over the Ukraine crisis, India-Russia defence relations stay strong. Reports indicate that Moscow’s fresh proposal could dramatically enhance India’s aerial strength.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Dubai Air Show 2025, Sergey Chemezov, the CEO of Russian government-owned defence conglomerate Rostec underlined the long-standing defence partnership 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. 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," Sergey Chemezov told ANI.
Chemezov also said Russia remains open to any new requirements from New Delhi.
What is the Su-57 fighter jet?
The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia’s fifth-generation fighter jet, and its export variant, the Su-57E -- known to NATO as “Felon” -- was showcased in aerial displays at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The twin-engine aircraft features super-manoeuvrability, supersonic cruise capability and advanced avionics.
Capable of flying at Mach 2, it incorporates stealth technology to reduce radar visibility and carries sophisticated missile and electronic warfare systems.
At the Dubai Airshow, the Su-57E for the first time revealed its internal weapons bay, displaying mock-ups of the Kh-58 anti-radiation missile and the R-74M2 air-to-air missile. The model showcased also featured new 2D thrust-vectoring flat nozzles on the AL-51F-1 engine to further cut its radar and infrared signatures.
“The Su-57 is equipped with two engines featuring controlled thrust vectoring, enabling it to execute manoeuvres at near-zero speeds, extreme angles of attack, and spins. These capabilities can provide a significant edge in aerial combat,” Sergey Bogdan, chief pilot of the Sukhoi Design Bureau at United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), was quoted as saying by Tass news agency.
Seen as a competitor of the American F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, the Su-57 is regarded as superior to many aircrafts because of its ability to “remain under control” in any mode.
Sukhoi-30-launched BrahMos was key strike asset in Op Sindoor
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Samir V Kamat recently stated that the BrahMos missile launched from Sukhoi-30 MKI was the primary offensive weapon used during Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26.
“When it comes to offensive weapons, BrahMos was the primary weapon that we used, mainly the air-launched variant which was launched from Sukhoi-30 MKI platform,” he was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
BrahMos, again a product of Indo-Russian defence cooperation, has enhanced India’s deterrent posture with its precision strikes, supersonic speed, and long range. They were extensively used during the operation to destroy key Pakistani targets, including runways, bunkers and hangars.
Earlier, defence minister Rajnath Singh described BrahMos as a symbol of India's rising strength. "BrahMos is not just a missile, it is proof of India's strategic confidence. From the Army to the Navy and the Air Force, it has become a key pillar of our defence forces," he said.
"Every inch of Pakistan's territory lies within range of BrahMos. What happened during Operation Sindoor was just a trailer. It made Pakistan realise that if India could create Pakistan, then if the time comes... I need not say more, you all are wise enough," he stated.
‘Make in Nashik’ plan in focus
As Russian President Vladimir Putin readies for a high-profile visit to India, one of the key agenda items is Moscow’s renewed push to jointly manufacture Sukhoi fighter jets in Nashik, Maharashtra.
The proposal -- under discreet discussion for months -- has gained fresh momentum as both countries seek to strengthen defence cooperation amid evolving global dynamics. At the heart of the plan is HAL’s Nasik division, which has long acted as the domestic production hub for the Su-30MKI.
Last month, CNBC-TV18 reported that India is considering an offer from the Russian government to collaborate on manufacturing SU-57 fighters.
The government is actively evaluating Russia’s offer, helped by the fact that HAL’s Nashik facility already has a Su-30 production line in Nashik. It is simultaneously pursuing plans to develop fifth-generation jet engines within India and has received full technology-transfer proposals from both Safran and Rolls-Royce.
The joint production offer supports India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ agenda and may prove more advantageous than full aircraft imports, given the continued delays and complex talks with other international vendors.
(With inputs from agencies)
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