HAL's Nashik Plant Capable of Building Su-57 5th-Gen Stealth Jets, Claims Rostec Highlighting Su-30MKI Infrastructure

Rostec, the Russian state-owned defence conglomerate, has claimed that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Nashik plant possesses the potential to manufacture the Su-57, Russia's advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter. This revelation highlights the existing infrastructure and expertise at the Nashik facility, which has been the production hub for the Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to Rostec officials, the Nashik plant, responsible for assembling approximately 220 Su-30MKI aircraft, can be readily adapted for Su-57 production. This is due to the significant overlap in tooling and machinery used in the manufacturing processes of both aircraft. This existing compatibility could translate to substantial cost savings for India, making the prospect of domestic Su-57 production more economically attractive.

Furthermore, Rostec has committed to a complete Transfer of Technology (ToT) as part of any licensed production agreement for the Su-57. This ToT would empower India to not only assemble the aircraft locally but also gain valuable expertise in design, maintenance, and production, bolstering India's indigenous defence capabilities.

This offer aligns with Russia's strategic objective to strengthen defence cooperation with India and support its pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The potential ToT for the Su-57 could have far-reaching implications for India's aviation technology sector, providing Indian engineers and technicians with invaluable experience in fifth-generation fighter technology.

The possibility of licensed production of the Su-57 in India represents a significant advancement in India's air defence capabilities. The Su-57, with its advanced stealth capabilities, speed, and maneuverability, would substantially enhance the IAF's strategic air power, enabling it to effectively address evolving threats in the region.

This development comes as India continues to modernize its air force and seek strategic partnerships to bolster its defence capabilities. The Su-57 program has faced its own challenges and delays, but Russia remains confident in its capabilities. Should India decide to proceed with the Su-57 program, it would represent a major leap forward in Indo-Russian defence cooperation and significantly enhance India's position in the global aerospace arena.

 

[sanket]

Su-57 is being offered under Make in India plus Local Eco-system. But a lot will depend on MRFA. Now next will be, can Russia pitch Su-57 under MRFA? Anyway, the Su-57 offer will definitely put pressure on Dassault, which is unwilling to share ToT, local assembly with full control & meeting MRFA parameters; these are the issues. Earlier it was Su-35 Plan B (option). Now it looks like Su-57 Plan B (option). RR also looking front runner in partnering AMCA Engine development project. In May 2025, the engine deal for 110 kN is likely to be signed, after that, the picture will start clearing.

 

[MANIVANNAN N]

MRFA with SU-57 and 100% engine technology transfer is a cost-effective way for the AMCA program.

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

If we check the details of HAL, the Nasik facility has always been the cash cow. They have always maintained production schedules. They have produced more than 500 MiG 21, 150 MiG 27, and 220 Su-30. They have also maintained the overhaul schedule for aircraft. So if we go for Su-57, it is sure that the Nasik facility can very easily maintain the production schedule.

 

[Enforcer]

Obviously, that facility can quickly produce SU57 since SU57 is a 4+ gen aircraft. It doesn't have any advanced tech or proper radar-absorbing skin. Pseudo 5th gen at best.

 

[DNA57]

The Su-57 offer is very good and hugely beneficial for India on two most important factors - time (most important) and money. The TOT offer is really attractive. Since two most vital factors are satisfied, once the technology is absorbed by Indian engineers, the requirement for development of AMCA practically becomes redundant, thereby saving a lot in R&D. Technology is changing very fast, so we have to be very dynamic as well. Maybe the Indian Su-57 will take 4/5 years to roll out, but AMCA will take about 10 years and by that time it will be icing on the top.

 

[Anonymus]

Obviously, that facility can quickly produce SU57 since SU57 is a 4+ gen aircraft. It doesn't have any advanced tech or proper radar-absorbing skin. Pseudo 5th gen at best.

Still far better what currently india operates.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

Su-57 is being offered under Make in India plus Local Eco-system. But a lot will depend on MRFA. Now next will be, can Russia pitch Su-57 under MRFA? Anyway, the Su-57 offer will definitely put pressure on Dassault, which is unwilling to share ToT, local assembly with full control & meeting MRFA parameters; these are the issues. Earlier it was Su-35 Plan B (option). Now it looks like Su-57 Plan B (option). RR also looking front runner in partnering AMCA Engine development project. In May 2025, the engine deal for 110 kN is likely to be signed, after that, the picture will start clearing.

India should scrap MRFA... It does not make any sense anymore... Talk with Russia at the government level and do a government-to-government deal for SU57.... But I don't think the US will take it as a positive step, for that India also has to do defence deals with the US... 2017 Trump and 2024 Trump are totally opposite... Wish India could make a jet engine for its own... Wish India had focused more on R&D....

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We should not buy large number of 5th gen jets from other countries. We will have our own AMCA. By the time it is not developed let us procure ~3 squadrons of Su57.

 

[Enforcer]

Still far better what currently india operates.

This time, I want India to have better tech than Pakistan or China. Last time we made a mistake with SU30mki. This time F-35 would be great until AMCA is ready. Our QUAD partners all have F-35. And Israeli's too. It would be great to integrate them into a force multiplier against China.

 

[beencensured]

Obviously, that facility can quickly produce SU57 since SU57 is a 4+ gen aircraft. It doesn't have any advanced tech or proper radar-absorbing skin. Pseudo 5th gen at best.

India does have technology and can modify this aircraft and make it true fifth generational, with radar and etc. But if they can fast pace the AMCA like other countries do their programs (South Korea, China, Turkey, and etc. ) then certainly there would not be need to depend on others.

 

[P.K Senapati]

Su30 production facilities can be adapted to produce Su57. We need these stealth aircraft as our unfriendly neighbours have such aircraft.

The only thing to decide is twin-engined Su57 or single-engined Su75. What we need to make in India without affecting AMCA.

 

[Aayush Pratap]

Can we please stop calling it a 5th gen fighter which it is not.

 

[rtnguy]

This time, I want India to have better tech than Pakistan or China. Last time we made a mistake with SU30mki. This time F-35 would be great until AMCA is ready. Our QUAD partners all have F-35. And Israeli's too. It would be great to integrate them into a force multiplier against China.

Lol F35 cannot even move without a daily software download from US like a OTP. Now what if US refuses to give the OTP one day!

 

[Anant]

If we check the details of HAL, the Nasik facility has always been the cash cow. They have always maintained production schedules. They have produced more than 500 MiG 21, 150 MiG 27, and 220 Su-30. They have also maintained the overhaul schedule for aircraft. So if we go for Su-57, it is sure that the Nasik facility can very easily maintain the production schedule.

No, they have not maintained the production schedule. Deliveries of the MiG-21 and Su-30MKI have been delayed on multiple occasions from that unit. It is a cash cow, yes, but not an on-schedule cash cow.

 

[Amit Ray]

Can we please stop calling it a 5th gen fighter which it is not.

It's not we but they, I hope you know the difference. The Russians are tomtoming that SU57 is a fifth generation fighter aircraft, we are nobody to dispute or agree with them.

 

[Enforcer]

Lol F35 cannot even move without a daily software download from US like a OTP. Now what if US refuses to give the OTP one day!

There is no such thing like that. Get your facts right. I live in the USA and I have friends in Air Force and I spoke to them and they said there is nothing like that for domestic OR export versions of the jet.

 

[yogesh]

Reference the article, while the offer is great, we need to have confidence in our domestic defence industry and support their efforts in the development of AMCA. It is just a few years away from flight ✈️ and it may not be such a good idea to buy when we are actually capable of manufacturing our own aircraft. In the meantime, to augment the squadron strength, HAL really needs to deliver. The engine supply issues from GE also are a pointer that supply chain issues can make things difficult. In the meanwhile, TEJAS MK1A, MK2 should be put on high priority and churned out of the factory as best as they can.

 

[Bhishma]

QUAD partners all have F-35. And Israeli's too. It would be great to integrate them into a force multiplier against China.

This is the biggest scam being pulled on India. India is capable of taking China on its own as we have demonstrated. India got hypersonics, MIRVs, contained China in SCS with Brahmos, forced them to back off in the Himalayas and we did all of these on our own. We DONT need the US.

As for Quad - US is far away, Japan doesnt have its army, Australia is too little and insignificant. That makes India the next Ukraine. We have to do the bulk of the work for what ? Its not a strategic alliance. Last time US scored a decisive victory was in WW2 - beating an exhausted stalemated Germany and Japan with technological superiority achieved by German scientists. Proxy warfare, political scheming, backstabbing runs too deep in the Anglo DNA. Let US come out of hiding for once. Lead by example. Pick direct fight with China and show us what you are made of. Then we can talk. Last time I checked, US let China takeover Spratly, construct artifical islands. While we humiliated them in Galwan and made them step back. This is the difference between India and US.

 

[Bhishma]

I'd say wait for AMCA and do it right. Reorganize HAL and bring in private players. We have already built stealth counter tech with VHF radars. IRST can detect 100km now. Invest heavily in CATS warrior. Incorporate AI in it. A combination of CATS, VHF radars, long-range BVR can counter 5G jets. The enemy will also be thinking the same thing. We need to think 6G + AI already.

 

[sanket]

India should scrap MRFA... It does not make any sense anymore... Talk with Russia at the government level and do a government-to-government deal for SU57.... But I don't think the US will take it as a positive step, for that India also has to do defence deals with the US... 2017 Trump and 2024 Trump are totally opposite... Wish India could make a jet engine for its own... Wish India had focused more on R&D....

If RR wins the engine deal, then pressure will be on Dassault to offer the best deal for Rafale under MRFA. Sometimes I think just to please the French for the engine deal, Rafale may be bought under MRFA. May 2025 the engine deal will be signed, then the MRFA picture will be clear. MRFA will be kick-started by the year-end or early next year. MRFA's fate will depend on the engine deal, whether to scrap or proceed with it will be anybody's game - Rafale, Eurofighter or then MRFA may be even scrapped & a G2G deal will happen for Su-57 if the European twin-engine fighter (Rafale/Eurofighter) fails to meet the parameters of MRFA.

 

[Anonymus]

This time, I want India to have better tech than Pakistan or China. Last time we made a mistake with SU30mki. This time F-35 would be great until AMCA is ready. Our QUAD partners all have F-35. And Israeli's too. It would be great to integrate them into a force multiplier against China.

Daydreaming won't give f35 in Aero India. Lockheed officials already clarified that f35 is not on offer to India. Now to Quad partners, other than India, all are natural allies of America, including Israel, unlike India, which has a very good relationship with Russia. India and America are not natural allies; we and America are just cooperating due to Chinese aggression. Other than this, we don't have any common agenda. Meanwhile, Russia is our natural ally, easily giving tech to India without any conditions.

e.g., all the civil nuclear reactors which currently India operates are Russian only. They transfer their technology to India while even signing nuclear cooperation with America during Obama, America hasn't provided any civil nuclear reactor tech to India.

America is the only country that refrains India from making any chemical weapons & don't forget America's stand on India during the 1971 war.

 

[Koorma]

Once again and baarambaar: focus ONLY on the Tejas and make it a great success. Once that happens, it means India then has the capability to develop all kinds of fighters.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

India should just focus on Tejas 2 and AMCA and just stop listening to all marketing gimmicks! Now that we are on the verge of Atmanirbhar, everyone will throw at you anything and everything to distract you!

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

If RR wins the engine deal, then pressure will be on Dassault to offer the best deal for Rafale under MRFA. Sometimes I think just to please the French for the engine deal, Rafale may be bought under MRFA. May 2025 the engine deal will be signed, then the MRFA picture will be clear. MRFA will be kick-started by the year-end or early next year. MRFA's fate will depend on the engine deal, whether to scrap or proceed with it will be anybody's game - Rafale, Eurofighter or then MRFA may be even scrapped & a G2G deal will happen for Su-57 if the European twin-engine fighter (Rafale/Eurofighter) fails to meet the parameters of MRFA.

In today's 5th gen jet era, a 4th gen jet does not make any sense. India should go for 3-4 squadrons of any 5th gen jet and then put the rest of the money entirely on Tejas MK2, AMCA, TEDBF and make it as fast as possible. This is the best scenario for India right now.