Dubai/New Delhi – Russia has made a major strategic offer to India, proposing to provide its advanced fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet along with a comprehensive plan for full technology transfer and the staged shift of production to India, according to Russian defense officials speaking at the Dubai Air Show 2025.
The proposal comes amidst recent high-level engagements, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, ahead of President Putin’s scheduled visit to India next month.
🤝 The Unprecedented Technology Offer
The Russian offer goes beyond a simple sale, aiming for deep localization and access to critical fifth-generation technologies:
- Technology Transfer: Rosoboronexport is offering “technological learning of few generation technologies,” including:
- Engines
- Optics
- AESA Radar
- AI elements
- Low signature (Stealth) technologies
- Modern air weapons
- Production Shift: The plan is for India to initially receive Su-57s produced in Russia, followed by a gradual increase in the level of license production until manufacturing is fully localized in India.
- Integration of Indian Weapons: The deal also includes the integration of Indian-made weapons onto the platform, allowing New Delhi to customize the aircraft to its operational requirements.
- Joint Development: Russia is reportedly open to the joint development of a two-seat version of the aircraft, which was a key requirement in the earlier, now-shelved, joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project.
🇷🇺 “Whatever India Requires, We are Here”
Sergey Chemezov, CEO of the Russian defense conglomerate Rostec, underlined Moscow’s commitment to supporting India’s defense needs.
“India and Russia have been partners for many years… Today, we continue the same approach as in previous years, supplying India with whatever military equipment it needs and ensuring our mutual interests in developing cooperation,” Chemezov told ANI.
Vadim Badekha, Director General of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), confirmed that India’s concerns and technical demands regarding the Su-57 have been viewed positively, stating that all demands are “completely acceptable.”
The Su-57 is a twin-engine, fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter designed for air superiority and attack missions, seen as Russia’s direct competitor to the American F-35.