Russia, India in Advanced Talks on Joint Production of Fifth-Generation Su-57 Fighter Jets

 

Russian fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57E fighter jet displayed at Wings India air show in Hyderabad


India and Russia are holding advanced technical discussions to explore the possibility of jointly producing the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57E fighter jet in India, according to a senior Russian aerospace official. The talks mark a potentially significant step in long-standing defence cooperation between the two countries, although there has been no official response from the Indian side so far.

The announcement was made by Vadim Badekha, Chief Executive Officer of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), on the sidelines of the Wings India air show held at Begumpet airport in Hyderabad. His remarks indicate that discussions have moved beyond preliminary stages into detailed technical consultations.

Advanced Technical Negotiations Underway

India and Russia are holding advanced technical discussions on the joint production of the fifth-generation Su-57E fighter jet in India, with a focus on licensed manufacturing, technology transfer, and long-term defence cooperation.



Speaking to Russian reporters, Badekha said the negotiations are at an “advanced stage,” emphasizing the long-term strategic implications of such a partnership.

“Today, we are in the advanced stage of technical negotiations on this contract. Such contracts, given our experience, determine the trajectory of our cooperation for several decades to come,” he said, as quoted by Russia’s state-run TASS news agency.

According to Badekha, the discussions include the possibility of licensed production of Su-57 fighter jets in India, potentially at facilities currently used for manufacturing the Su-30MKI aircraft. This would allow India to leverage existing infrastructure while expanding its capabilities in fifth-generation combat aviation.

Focus on ‘Make in India’ and Indigenous Systems

India–Russia Su-57 Joint Production Talks | Defence Aviation News



A key aspect of the proposed arrangement is the maximum integration of Indian industry and systems into the aircraft. Badekha noted that the talks involve the extensive use of Indian components and technological inputs, aligning closely with New Delhi’s “Make in India” and defence indigenisation initiatives.

“Licensed production of the Su-57 fighters in India at the facilities currently used to produce the Su-30 aircraft, and the maximum use of Indian industry and Indian systems in this aircraft, are being discussed,” he said.

He added that the scale and complexity of the project require in-depth technical study, reinforcing that consultations are still ongoing despite being at an advanced stage.

Su-57E Offer and Support for India’s AMCA Program

Earlier, Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Russia’s state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport, had announced that Russia was offering India not only the supply of Su-57E fighter jets but also the organisation of their production within the country.

According to reports by state-run RIA Novosti, the offer also includes assistance in the development of India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter currently under development. Such support could potentially accelerate India’s learning curve in stealth technologies, avionics, and advanced propulsion systems.

Russian Aircraft Displayed at Wings India

At the Wings India air show, Russia showcased its latest aerospace platforms, including the Ilyushin Il-114-300 regional transport aircraft and the Sukhoi SJ-100 (Superjet-100). The presence of these aircraft underscored Moscow’s broader push to deepen aerospace and aviation collaboration with India beyond military platforms alone.

UAC–HAL Agreement on Superjet-100 Production

In a parallel development, Russia’s private news agency Interfax reported the signing of an agreement between UAC and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) related to the Superjet-100 regional aircraft program.

The agreement formalises HAL’s role in assisting UAC with the certification and validation of the Superjet type in India. Under the deal, HAL will also be granted a licence to manufacture and sell the SJ-100 aircraft in India, including the production of components, spare parts, and systems required for maintenance and repair.

This collaboration signals expanding civil aviation ties between the two countries alongside defence projects.

Strategic Implications for Indo-Russian Defence Ties

If finalised, joint production of the Su-57 in India would represent one of the most advanced defence manufacturing partnerships between New Delhi and Moscow to date. It would also mark India’s deeper entry into fifth-generation fighter aircraft production, a domain currently dominated by a handful of countries.

While official confirmation from the Indian government is awaited, the discussions highlight sustained strategic engagement between India and Russia in aerospace, defence manufacturing, and technology development—areas expected to shape bilateral cooperation for decades to come.

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