Russia Proposes Supplying 40 Su-57 Stealth Fighters to India Ahead of AMCA Deployment
Russia has proposed supplying India with up to 40 Su-57 stealth fighter jets as a temporary measure to address the current gap in fifth-generation aircraft capabilities until India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) becomes operational in the mid-2030s.
The proposal includes providing two squadrons of Sukhoi Su-57, with an anticipated timeline allowing the first aircraft to be delivered by 2027-28. Full integration could be achieved by 2030 if negotiations are concluded by the close of 2026.
The initiative comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a shortfall in fifth-generation combat aircraft, with the AMCA program still in its developmental stages.
Russia is promoting the Su-57, known as “Felon” by NATO, as an interim solution offering advanced stealth capabilities, supercruise, and versatile combat performance.
Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) reportedly plans to increase production to 16–20 aircraft annually by 2027 to fulfill domestic and international orders.
Moscow is concurrently working to add 76 Su-57 jets to its own air force by 2028, while also accommodating potential exports, such as the offer to India.
The current Su-57 models are equipped with AL-41F1 engines, adapted from the Su-35. The more sophisticated Izdeliye 177 (AL-51F) engine, which represents a true fifth-generation power plant, is still under development.
Russia has also suggested a post-2030 upgrade program, enabling India to retrofit the aircraft with the new engines once they are fully developed.
India is considering the feasibility of licensed production under the 'Make in India' initiative, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) evaluating its infrastructure for prospective manufacturing.
The viability of the agreement will largely depend on the transfer of technology, financial aspects, and long-term maintenance commitments.
This offer indicates a renewed effort by Russia to strengthen defense relations with India, especially following New Delhi's withdrawal from the previous FGFA program in 2018.
A final decision is expected to be influenced by several factors, including financial viability, the extent of technology sharing, and alignment with India's goals for indigenous defense development.
With the Indian Ministry of Defence emphasizing self-reliance and technological advancement, the Su-57 proposal presents both an opportunity and a strategic challenge—balancing immediate operational requirements with the objective of fostering domestic development.
