Key Points and Summary – Russia is aggressively courting India to purchase its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter, now sweetening the deal with an offer to co-produce the jets in India.
-For a sanction-hit Moscow, the deal would be a major economic and propaganda victory.
Su-57 Felon Fighter Russian Ministry of Defense Photo
-India faces a difficult choice.
-It needs stealth jets but previously abandoned the Su-57 program over quality concerns and rejected the U.S. F-35 due to Washington’s refusal to transfer technology.
-New Delhi must now decide whether to risk dependence on Russia for a rapid upgrade or wait for its own domestic fighter, a decision with significant geopolitical implications.
Russia Tempts India Into Su-57 Fighter Jet Production Deal
Russia is keen for India to buy its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, and it is ramping up its persuasion techniques.
Moscow has even said it could manufacture the aircraft in India.
The New Delhi-based wire service Asian News International (ANI), Moscow has launched a study on what investments would be needed to jointly produce the jets with public defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The Nashik-based firm has already been licensed to build Russia’s Su-30MKIe.
What This Means
The push comes as India looks to modernize its combat fleet with two to three squadrons of stealth aircraft.
Russia’s pitch is straightforward: India already operates a largely Russian-origin air fleet, including Su-30MKIs and MiG-29s.
Expanding to the Su-57, Moscow argues, would be a natural progression. Russian officials are also reportedly urging New Delhi to expand its purchases of advanced air-defense platforms, such as the S-400 and the next-generation S-500 systems.
India and the Su-57: A History
This is not the first time the Su-57 has been on the table for India. New Delhi was initially slated to co-develop the jet under a partnership with Moscow, but walked away in 2018.
The program at the time was called the PAK-FA.
India’s concerns included uncertainty over the aircraft’s quality, slow delivery pace and cost-sharing. The Su-57, also known by its NATO nickname “Felon”, has since entered limited service in the Russian air force, although its export prospects are far from secure.
But with the threat of new Western sanctions and its grinding war in Ukraine, Russia is obviously keen to secure closer ties with India. This deal would not be a mere military boost, but a propaganda victory for Putin’s regime.
India, meanwhile, has been courted by both Washington and Moscow. The U.S. offered the F-35, but New Delhi rejected the deal. India’s defense establishment has long sought technology transfer and domestic production rights, conditions that Washington is unwilling to grant due to security questions over the F-35’s sensitive systems. The cooling of trade ties between the U.S. and India in recent years has only deepened the divide.
What Will India Do?
For India, however, the calculation is more delicate. Committing to the Su-57 could provide immediate capability, but risks repeating past frustrations with Russian supply chains and reliability. Still, saying no to the offer completely could leave them with a huge gap until their AMCAs are up and running.
Whatever India’s decision, it will reverberate across the world. Opting for the Su-57 would enhance its reliance on Moscow to Washington’s chagrin. Holding out, however, would signal confidence in its domestic defense industry.
About the Author: Georgia Gilholy
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education. You can follow her on X: @llggeorgia.
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