India Dismisses Su-57 Purchase, Focuses on Su-30MKI Upgrades and Indigenous Fighter Development
India has decisively moved away from the immediate acquisition of Russia's Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, as announced by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The country will instead prioritize upgrading its existing fleet of Su-30MKI aircraft, aligning with its broader strategy to bolster indigenous defense capabilities and modernize its current combat aircraft arsenal.
Rajesh Kumar Singh clarified that India has no intentions to procure new Sukhoi models but is committed to a comprehensive enhancement of the Su-30MKI fighters, which are already being manufactured under license. He emphasized that the Su-30MKI continues to serve as the core of the Indian Air Force's combat fleet, highlighting the program's success.
This decision represents a pivotal shift in India's approach to fighter aircraft development, focusing on indigenous capability and technological self-sufficiency over importing foreign fifth-generation fighters. It also underscores India's dedication to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at expanding domestic defense production and minimizing reliance on external suppliers.
Central to this initiative is the ambitious Super Sukhoi modernization plan, which seeks to upgrade around 260 Su-30MKI jets with advanced indigenous technologies. The objective is to extend their operational lifespan and enhance their capabilities to a 4.5-plus generation standard.
The upgrade will include the indigenous Virupaksha Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, cutting-edge avionics, digital cockpit systems, enhanced mission computers, improved electronic warfare equipment, secure data links, and sensor fusion capabilities. The aircraft will also be equipped with indigenous precision weapons, such as the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, BrahMos air-launched cruise missile, and Rudram anti-radiation missile.
Defense planners anticipate that the modernized Su-30MKI fleet will offer enhanced situational awareness, extended engagement ranges, and increased survivability in contested areas while maintaining India's long-range strike capabilities.
This decision comes against the backdrop of a persistent shortage in India's fighter squadron strength. The Indian Air Force currently operates approximately 30 combat squadrons, short of the authorized 42, as the retirement of aging MiG-21 aircraft adds pressure to quickly restore operational capacity.
To address this deficit, the government is advancing the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which aims to procure up to 114 new fighter aircraft. Concurrently, the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is India's long-term solution for developing a fifth-generation stealth fighter domestically.
The AMCA is projected to be India's first indigenous stealth combat aircraft, with development progressing towards prototype testing later this decade, aiming for service induction in the 2030s.
The decision also draws on experiences from the earlier Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, an Indo-Russian collaboration based on the Su-57 which was eventually terminated due to disagreements over technology transfer, work share, cost increases, and access to critical source codes. This experience reinforced India's preference for greater technological control and indigenous development in future strategic programs.
Russia had been promoting the Su-57E export variant to India, offering technology transfer, local production via Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and support for India's aerospace industry. However, concerns about production capacity, supply chain reliability, operational maturity, and long-term logistics played a role in India's decision to refrain from adopting another Russian combat aircraft platform.
Another influencing factor was the experience gained during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The operation highlighted the Su-30MKI's effectiveness in air superiority, precision strike, and long-range missions, particularly with air-launched BrahMos cruise missiles. The aircraft's operational performance reinforced the decision to upgrade proven platforms instead of investing in an entirely new fleet.
Despite ruling out new Sukhoi acquisitions, India maintains a robust defense relationship with Russia. Ongoing bilateral cooperation covers areas such as maintenance, spares support, engine development, and sustainment of the extensive Russian-origin inventory already operated by the Indian Armed Forces.
India's current stance reflects an evolving procurement philosophy that aims to balance operational readiness with strategic autonomy. By integrating the Super Sukhoi upgrade, additional multirole fighter acquisitions under the MRFA program, and the indigenous AMCA project, India seeks to establish a modern, technologically advanced, and self-reliant air force capable of addressing future security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region while reducing long-term dependence on foreign combat aircraft imports.
