Russia Offers Su-57 Production Deal to India Before Visit

• Russia offers full licensed production and tech transfer of the Su-57 stealth fighter in India
• Timed to support India’s long-term fighter induction and complement the AMCA programme
• Progress expected on S-400/S-500, Su-30MKI/T-90 production, BrahMos upgrades

As India prepares to host President Vladimir Putin in December, defense cooperation will be part of agenda for what promises to be a week of potentially high-stakes diplomacy. Moscow has offered as Indian officials characterize, the largest military offer to India in years, which could potentially change the future of Indian air power.

Preparations are already underway: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met President Putin in Moscow and had a long conversation with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and attended multiple SCO meetings, all in the span of 48 hours.

Back in New Delhi, Nikolai Patrushev, one of President Putin's closest advisors, met with Prime Minister Modi to coordinate strategy and align posture before the Summit.

During the Dubai Airshow, Moscow presented India with the opportunity for full licensed production of the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter on Indian soil and the full-scale transfer of technology— access to which no Western partner has ever provided.

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According to Rosoboronexport's representatives, the proposal calls for an initial supply of Su-57E fighters from Russia, before transitioning to full-scale manufacturing in India with access to multiple components, including engines, sensors, materials related to stealth technologies, avionics, and other classified systems.

Russia also proposes technological assistance in fifth-generation engines, AESA radar, artificial intelligence, low-signature technologies, and advanced air weapons.

The timing is critical, as the Indian Air Force plans to procure 35-40 fighter aircraft per year for the next two decades in order to achieve long-term squadron goals in keeping with Roadmap 2047. India has been pursuing its AMCA program, but is also actively looking at foreign fifth-generation options.

Putin’s visit includes some sort of progress on Su-57 collaboration, news on the progress of the S-400 and S-500 systems, joint production of the Su-30MKI and T-90 tanks, and BrahMos missile upgrades. Russia's offer indicates a departure of the buyer-seller relationship, leaning into a co-development model. Russia's offer is an opportunity for India to develop fifth generation capabilities, and to do so on India’s terms.