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India is simultaneously trying to modernize its air force, bridge declining squadron strength and pursue its own indigenous fifth-generation fighter programme.
The Su-57, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, is Moscow’s first operational fifth-generation stealth fighter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has revived the idea of India joining hands with Moscow on the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Putin’s invitation to India reignited a debate that had been going on in defense circles for more than a decade.
Putin revealed that Russia had earlier proposed joint development of the fighter aircraft with India, but New Delhi preferred to wait and see while Moscow proceeded independently. Now, with the aircraft operational and Russia actively marketing it abroad, the Kremlin is once again pitching the Su-57 to India – not just for purchase but also for future development and production.
Time is important. India is simultaneously trying to modernize its air force, bridge declining squadron strength and pursue its own indigenous fifth-generation fighter programme.
What exactly is Su-57?
The Su-57, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, is Moscow’s first operational fifth-generation stealth fighter. Designed to compete with aircraft such as the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the Su-57 combines stealth features, supersonic cruising capability, advanced sensors, electronic warfare systems and long-range strike capability.
The fighter aircraft is intended to perform multiple roles – air superiority missions, ground attack, electronic warfare and long-range precision strikes.
Russia claims that the plane has:
- Low radar observability or stealth characteristics
- Supercruise capability, allowing sustained supersonic flight without afterburner
- Advanced Avionics and Sensor Fusion
- High maneuverability enabled by thrust-vectoring engines
- Ability to carry mixed air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons
The aircraft has also reportedly seen combat deployment in the Ukraine conflict, which Russia often highlights when marketing the platform.
However, unlike the F-35, which has been produced in large numbers and widely exported, the Su-57 remains a relatively limited-production aircraft. Estimates suggest that Russia has inducted only a modest number into service so far.
India’s core stake in the program
India was not always an outsider to the Su-57 story.
In the mid-2000s, India and Russia initiated the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, envisioned as a joint venture based on the Russian platform that would eventually become the Su-57.
The plan was ambitious. India will contribute funding, technology inputs and production capabilities while gaining access to advanced stealth fighter technology that can form the backbone of the Indian Air Force for decades.
But this partnership gradually ran into trouble.
Indian officials reportedly raised concerns about several aspects of the aircraft, including the level of stealth achieved by the design, engine performance and reliability, radar and avionics capabilities, technology transfer arrangements and rising costs.
By 2018, India effectively withdrew from the FGFA programme, choosing not to invest further, leaving the door open for future evaluation.
Putin’s latest comments appear to be a reminder that Moscow never completely closed that door.
Why is Russia pushing the Su-57 again?
There are both strategic and commercial reasons behind Russia’s new pitch.
Keeping India within Russia’s defense ecosystem
India remains one of Russia’s largest and most important defense partners. From fighter planes and tanks to submarines and missile systems, decades of military cooperation have created deep interdependence.
However, India’s defense procurement landscape is changing rapidly. New Delhi has diversified purchases from countries including France, the United States and Israel as well as increased investment in indigenous manufacturing.
For Moscow, securing a major fifth-generation fighter partnership will help maintain its long-term relevance in India’s defense modernization plans.
financial and industrial benefits
Advanced combat programs are prohibitively expensive. A large Indian order or co-production arrangement would provide financial support, increase production volumes and strengthen the Su-57’s international credibility.
Unlike the US F-35 programme, which is largely closed to India due to geopolitical and technology restrictions, Russia can offer deep industrial partnerships and local manufacturing.
counter to western competition
Russia also knows that India’s future combat options are increasingly including Western options. The French Rafale fleet continues to expand, while discussions about future advanced fighters remain active globally.
The Su-57 offer gives Moscow a chance to maintain influence in one of the world’s largest defense markets.
Why is India still reluctant?
Despite Russia’s enthusiasm, India’s hesitation lies in both operational and strategic calculations.
Question on secret display
One of the biggest concerns is whether the aircraft actually matches the stealth standards set by American fifth-generation fighters. Many defense analysts have argued that the Su-57 prioritizes maneuverability and aerodynamic performance over maximum stealth.
For India, which may have to operate in a competitive environment against increasingly sophisticated Chinese air defences, stealth remains a critical requirement.
Concerns about engine and maturity
The Su-57 program has faced delays related to engine development and production timelines.
While Russia continues to improve the aircraft, Indian planners traditionally prefer platforms that have demonstrated long-term operational maturity before committing to large acquisitions.
indigenous ambitions
Perhaps the biggest reason is India’s own fighter development roadmap. The government has approved work on India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter Project Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). AMCA is viewed as a strategic technology program rather than simply an aircraft acquisition.
Involvement in another country’s fifth generation fighter project could potentially weaken the focus, funding and industrial momentum behind the indigenous effort.
geopolitical balance
India’s defense relations today are much more diverse than during the Cold War era. Any major acquisition must now be viewed through a broader strategic lens that includes technology access, supply-chain flexibility, sanctions risks, and partnerships with multiple countries.
While India has maintained strong ties with Russia, it has also been deepening defense cooperation with Western countries and regional partners.
This balancing act naturally makes the country more cautious about committing to any major foreign programme.
Can India still buy Su-57?
The Indian Air Force faces an immediate challenge: squadron numbers are below sanctioned strength, while China is rapidly expanding and modernizing its air force, including deploying the J-20 stealth fighter.
AMCA, although making progress, is years away from operational induction. This creates a capacity gap during the 2030s.
If India determines that indigenous programs alone cannot quickly close that gap, it may seek interim solutions, including limited acquisitions, technology cooperation or specific subsystem partnerships.
However, a return to the original FGFA-style joint development program appears less likely than it was a decade ago.
Russia sees the Su-57 as an opportunity to deepen defense ties and secure a place in India’s next generation military modernisation. Meanwhile, India is weighing immediate operational requirements against a larger strategic goal: to become a designer and manufacturer of advanced combat aircraft rather than merely a buyer.
The Su-57 may still find a role in India’s calculations, but New Delhi’s long-term focus lies in the success of the AMCA programme.
About the author
Pragati is news editor at news18.com. After heading the Business and Viral sections, Pragati now conceptualises, writes and edits long-form features and articles on national and global affairs. She makes sure…read more
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