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Russia Dangles It’s 84 Su-57 Stealth Jets—India May Take the Offer
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
India is reviewing a Russian proposal to acquire Su-57 fighter jets, with Moscow reportedly willing to meet all of New Delhi’s conditions, according to Defense Express on September 24.
The offer, first reported by Indian Defence News, would cover up to 84 aircraft. Two squadrons would be delivered directly from Russian production lines, while an additional three to five squadrons could be assembled locally in India.
According to Defense Express, Moscow has promised extensive technology transfers as part of the package, including engines and initial software codes.
Russia has also indicated readiness to integrate India’s domestic missile arsenal into the Su-57 platform. Analysts note that this level of access has not been offered by France, whose company Safran is competing to supply engines for Indian projects.
The deal, if approved, would provide the Russian defense industry with vital funding to sustain operations while the war against Ukraine continues.
India previously withdrew from a joint Su-57 development program in 2018, citing doubts about the jet’s fifth-generation capabilities.
While the current offer appears attractive, concerns remain about Russia’s ability to deliver aircraft on time and the risk of sanctions affecting future operations, as experienced with the Su-30MKI fleet.
The potential deal comes at a critical time for India. The retirement of aging MiG-21 fighters has created a gap in the country’s fleet, while the locally developed Tejas light combat aircraft faces production delays due to engine shortages.
India’s own fifth-generation program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is still in development and not expected to enter service until the 2030s.
According to Defense Express, Indian planners envision a layered air force structure: French Rafales as the medium-weight “workhorse,” Russian Su-57s for long-range strike and low-observable missions, and the AMCA as a long-term domestic solution.
Although the Su-57 is often assessed as less advanced than the US F-35 or China’s J-20, it remains a threat to fourth-generation aircraft. A purchase by India could also help Russia further refine the platform using export revenues.
At this stage, the proposal is still under evaluation by India’s Ministry of Defence, and no final decision has been announced.
Earlier, Defense Express reported on August 14 that India was preparing to bypass its long-planned fighter jet competition and instead expand its fleet of French Rafales, effectively sidelining Russia’s Su-57 and other contenders.
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