Russia is reportedly exploring proposals to manufacture its advanced Su-57 fighter jets in India, according to defense sources. The move underscores a strengthening of strategic ties between New Delhi and Moscow, with India showing keen interest in bolstering both its procurement and domestic manufacture of cutting-edge military hardware.
In detailed studies now underway, Moscow is assessing the level of capital investment and infrastructure upgrades required to set up production within India. This would involve transferring critical technology and know-how to Indian facilities. India has indicated a requirement for two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighters, and Russia’s Su-57 is a key contender.
India already has experience producing Russian aircraft under license. Its public sector giant HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) assembles Su-30 MKI jets at its Nashik facility. That existing base is seen as a potential entry point for Su-57 assembly and integration.
The proposal would mark a revival of India’s earlier collaboration attempts with Russia on next-generation fighters, such as the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) project, which India exited in 2018 over concerns on performance and technology transfer. Now, evolving threats and the need for advanced deterrence capabilities appear to have rekindled interest in joint development or co-production.
If successful, this arrangement would deepen India’s self-reliance in defense, create high-tech jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and align with the government’s push for indigenous manufacturing in critical sectors. The effort would also reposition India as a regional power in advanced air warfare capabilities.
However, challenges remain: the cost of such a venture, the complexity of stealth technology transfer, geopolitical constraints, and ensuring that the production meets both performance expectations and strategic timelines.
