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In a major strategic initiative to modernise its fleet and address a significant shortfall in its fighter squadrons, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking a comprehensive, two-part acquisition plan.
This strategy involves acquiring Russia's fifth-generation Su-57E stealth fighters and simultaneously pursuing a large deal for France's 4.5-generation Rafale jets.
The plan aims to create a powerful blend of stealth, versatility, and proven combat capability to maintain a strategic edge against the rapidly growing air power of China and Pakistan.
The approach for the Su-57E includes an initial direct purchase of two squadrons, comprising 36 to 40 aircraft, to meet immediate operational needs.
This will be followed by a more ambitious plan to manufacture an additional three to five squadrons (54 to 90 aircraft) in India.
This large-scale domestic production would be undertaken at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Nashik, which would also integrate indigenous systems into the advanced fighter.
This effort runs parallel to the IAF's separate proposal to procure 114 multi-role Rafale aircraft, underlining a clear strategy to diversify its high-performance assets.
This accelerated push for fifth-generation technology is largely driven by pressing geopolitical developments in the region.
The primary concern is China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which has already inducted over 200 of its J-20 "Mighty Dragon" stealth fighters, with many deployed at airbases near the Indian border.
Furthermore, Pakistan is finalising plans to acquire up to 40 Chinese FC-31/J-35 stealth jets by 2026.
The Su-57E is seen as a direct counter, offering exceptional supermaneuverability, a large weapons payload capacity of up to 10 tons, and compatibility with hypersonic missiles, making it highly suitable for deep-strike missions and high-altitude combat over the Himalayas.
A central element of this potential deal is its alignment with India’s "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" policy in defence manufacturing.
The HAL Nashik plant is well-positioned for this complex task, having successfully produced over 220 Su-30 MKI fighters and more than 920 of their AL-31FP engines under license since 2004.
According to Russian officials, the existing infrastructure at Nashik would require only 20-30% new tooling to adapt the assembly lines for the Su-57E. This would significantly reduce the cost and time required compared to establishing a completely new production ecosystem for a different aircraft.
Russia's proposal reportedly includes a full Transfer of Technology (ToT) and crucial source code access, a key differentiator from many Western defence deals.
This would grant the IAF and Indian defence scientists the freedom to upgrade the Su-57E with indigenous avionics, sensors, and weapon systems over its service life.
This locally produced, customised variant would serve as a critical bridge, filling the IAF's fifth-generation capability gap until its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is ready for induction in the mid-2030s.
The project is also expected to create thousands of skilled jobs and enhance India's aerospace export potential.
Operationally, the Su-57E offers seamless integration with the IAF's existing backbone of nearly 270 Su-30 MKI jets, with which it shares an estimated 70-80% of its technological systems.
This high degree of commonality would streamline logistics, spare parts management, maintenance protocols, and pilot training.
Moreover, Russia has offered its S-70 Okhotnik-B heavy combat drone to pair with the Su-57E, enabling advanced Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities.
This would allow a single pilot to control a swarm of drones, revolutionising the IAF's network-centric warfare capabilities and acting as a significant force multiplier in future conflicts.
