India Should Give a Serious Look to Russia’s Offer of Su-57s for IAF

During Russian President Putin’s visit to India in December 2025, he had discussed the possibility of Su-57 5^th-gen aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Russia has in fact refined this offer to co-manufacture around 100 Sukhoi Su-57E (export-variant) stealth fighters in India. The proposal comes with substantial technology transfer and local production at the HAL facility in Nasik to fulfil IAF’s requirements by 2030. In the interim period, Russia will supply 36-40 Su-57s by 2027-28 to form two Squadrons. A high-level Russian technical team has already visited the Nasik facility, which is mainly used to produce the Sukhoi Su 30 MKIs. Russian experts have pointed out the same facility could be used for making the newer Su 57s to around 50 percent pf the components while for the rest, required infrastructure could easily be created.

Russia has offered full stealth airframe manufacturing, advanced low-observable coatings, next-gen AESA radar, super maneuverability, and powerful engines etc. ToT for engines is included, and there is an option to jointly develop a special two-seat version (Pilot + WSO) for the IAF jets. The offer also includes AI-based avionics and sensor fusion and data-linked weapons systems.

Needless to say that the Russian offer of Su-57s is becoming more and more lucrative by the day, and with HAL becoming part of its eco-system, India would also be able to export the jointly=made aircraft.

Therefore, the entire process should be pursued to its logical conclusion.

Also, contrary to views expressed in some quarters, it must be understood that there is no conflict between the Su-57 and Rafale programmes as they (along with others) contribute in building IAF’s present and foreseeable capabilities in a well-rounded manner.

It must also be noted that while the Rafale is a highly capable modern multirole fighter, it is not a stealth aircraft. The Su-57, on the other hand, has significant stealth capability. IAF’s future aircraft, such as the indigenous AMCA, will hopefully have all-aspect stealth capability.

The French Dassault Aviation is partnering with Indian TASL (Tata Advanced Systems Limited) to manufacture the Rafale fighter fuselages in Hyderabad for both Indian and export requirements. This is the first production unit of Rafale’s key structural components outside France.

Production is to commence in 2028 at the rate of two fuselages per month.

A technologically advancing India however needs more to be done. It is hoped that this facility will expand to produce the entire aircraft indigenously in the coming years.

Howsoever, India would have to continue with its three-pronged approach to build as well sustain its fighter programmes. It is well known that IAF is struggling at a much lower level from its approved strength of 42 Combat Squadrons, at around 30-32. The present inventory has ageing Jaguars, Mirage 2000s and MiG-29s which have to be phased out in not far distant a future. HAL’s own efforts to step up the Tejas LCA production wouldn’t be sufficient to bridge the existing gap.

The author would like to visualise a scenario where Advanced French Rafales (Rafale 5), Su-57E and indigenous Tejas variants (and later AMCAs) are all being manufactured in India in different factories. That is the only way to maintain IAF’s fighter force at the desired levels.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has already highlighted critical concerns regarding the shortage of Indian Air Force’s fighter squadron strength, noting it is well below the 42 sanctioned Squadrons, and could dip further if urgent steps are initiated and approved. He has called for fast track investments, foreign partnerships for technologies and weapons, and Make in India production.

“The IAF currently operates far below the required 42 combat squadrons, which reduces the margin for error against adversaries,” he observed, pointing out that India faces a two-front threat from China and Pakistan.”

India needs numbers and technology edge against these adversaries. And

IAF looks for higher budgets and decisive support from the Government. As a former IAF officer, I would add my words to those of my esteemed Friends and Colleagues in the Indian Air Force for jets speed in decision-making and allocation of more funds for IAF at the Ministry of Defence.

— Air Marshal V.K ‘Jimmy’ Bhatia (Retd)