India Evaluating Su-57 Stealth Jet's Local Production Offer from Russia, Seeks to Counter China's J-20 and Pakistan's Potential J-35

India is reviewing a significant proposal from Russia for the domestic production of the Sukhoi Su-57, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This potential agreement could reshape the long-standing defence relationship between the two countries.

Dmitry Shugaev, Director of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), revealed this development at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The proposal falls under India's "Make in India" initiative, which promotes domestic manufacturing.

Shugaev told Sputnik news agency that while India is actively assessing the offer, a final decision is pending. He stressed Russia's willingness to support local manufacturing, potentially at facilities like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). HAL has experience building Russian-designed aircraft, including the Su-30MKI.

The Su-57 could be a crucial asset for India, which is looking to modernize its air force in light of increasing tensions with China and Pakistan.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates a fleet of primarily fourth-generation fighters. This includes Russian Su-30MKIs, French Rafales, and domestically produced Tejas aircraft.

However, it lacks a fifth-generation fighter to rival China's Chengdu J-20 or Pakistan's possible future acquisition of the Shenyang J-35 (a smaller, export-oriented version of the FC-31 Gyrfalcon).

The Su-57, designed to attack both air and ground targets, carry long-range missiles, and evade radar detection, could provide the IAF with 5th-gen air-power capability, potentially at a lower cost than Western alternatives like the Lockheed Martin F-35.

Russia is actively promoting the Su-57 on the international market, highlighting its combat experience in Ukraine. Russian officials, including Shugaev, at IDEX 2025, showcased the jet's adaptability and dependability, presenting it as an aircraft that balances performance and cost-effectiveness.

The offer of local production is especially appealing to India. It would reduce dependence on imports, generate employment, and allow for modifications to suit India's specific operational requirements, including adapting to its varied terrain and climate.

The Su-57 is equipped with advanced features such as supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners), advanced radar systems, and internal weapons bays to reduce radar signature.

Shugaev's comments indicate that Russia is offering more than just a sales agreement. They are proposing a co-production framework that could include technology transfer and joint development. This approach is reminiscent of previous collaborations, such as the earlier Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program.

The FGFA program, which aimed to create an Indian-specific variant of the Su-57, was discontinued in 2018. Concerns included cost increases, disagreements over technology sharing, and doubts about the aircraft's performance.

Russia seems to be addressing these past concerns, with officials at IDEX 2025 highlighting a more adaptable and open partnership approach. There are also unconfirmed reports that development of an upgraded Su-57M variant is ongoing, potentially offering even greater capabilities.

 

[Muthukumar Ponnambalam]

If India is serious about it, it should get complete control, including full export and IP control and 100% ToT, and go for joint production. For the PAK-FA, it was said that they were not willing to work with Indian scientists and engineers.

This time, they should work with the Indian team, sharing all the work equally, not "we do crucial work and you do nuts and bolts making"—no way.

And they should offer the AL-41 engine also as a package deal, with the condition that they should offer the AL-51 when it's ready after the testing that it undergoes.

It's a multi-billion dollar deal, and hence India should dictate the terms. If Russia doesn't agree, there are others eagerly waiting.

 

[WarTech]

The J-20 will be eaten alive; it's no match. Just compare the engines both planes have. The J-20 is slow and underpowered.

Eaten alive 💀💀. Engine may not be as good as US ones, but Russian and Chinese jets are very similar, where Russia is little better than them. In other parameters, the J-20 dominates. The J-20 has far more stealth, is in higher numbers, and the overall tech is superior (because they stole it from the US). Russia is very good at quantity, not quality.

 

[मित्र]

These Russians also only want to collaborate with HAL.

Reason is simple, with HAL, they are guaranteed of continued business for the lifetime of the aircraft sold. Everybody knows that HAL can't do jack shit even with 100% transfer of technology.

Private players ko de daala, then within a few years the Russians will be out of the scenery.

HAL already has a Nashik assembly line of Su-30s, which can be tweaked for Su-57s. It will be a time- and cost-saving move.

 

[मित्र]

Let's cancel MRFA and assemble 110 Su-57s locally, with the initial batch having AL-41s and the later batch with AL-51s.
We should get engine tech.
Exporting from India will be a win-win for both India and Russia.

 

[beencensured]

Eaten alive 💀💀. Engine may not be as good as US ones, but Russian and Chinese jets are very similar, where Russia is little better than them. In other parameters, the J-20 dominates. The J-20 has far more stealth, is in higher numbers, and the overall tech is superior (because they stole it from the US). Russia is very good at quantity, not quality.

From what I hear, the J-20 has better stealth features than the Su-57. The Russian jet has better maneuverability. America has said the Chinese have developed good tactics with their J-20.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

We need this stealth fighter aircraft, Su-57, as made in India, along with the stealth engine, Al-51.HAL and other private or public sector companies can be partners in subsystems and spare parts.

AL51 looks sci-fi. Private sector should be given chance to assemble the engine or body.

 

[Pad UwU]

This offer is another once-in-a-lifetime jackpot for India. If GOI is still dilly-dallying, we will become another laughingstock for China if we don't grab the offer from Russia to get SU-57 co-production with TOTs.... The F-35 of the US is good but has so many drawbacks. Remember, Turkey got punished by the US government 😹😹😹

 

[Rokuth]

If India does end up getting the Su-57, will they develop a two-seater like they originally wanted on the FGFA?

 

[Phantom]

Not gonna happen, little bro. Are they retarded to sell both F-35 and Su-57 to a single country?

They are products from different countries and will be sold independently from each other. It is Indians who will decide which product, if they want both.

 

[skyfall21]

It is very well possible. The US already offered F-35Bs for the LHDs in 2010 to the Navy of a country with 90% Russian items. Why not now? Only now they are offering F-35As, if we buy some other jet of theirs.

Got to buy F-21 first, before F 35 can be offered to India.

 

[Nagendra simh]

Very confused... AMCA taking more than 10 years, no Tejas as GE engine is stalled, even Tejas Mk2 is delayed as no GE 414 contract in place. Su-57 with Russian mission computer and radar is a non-starter - useless. F-35 cannot integrate with Indian sensor system as we are Russian + Indian/Israeli sensors at best w.r.t. Radar extensions. Can't spend money on F-35/Su-57 as we need money for our AMCA. 110kN engine nowhere in sight... and AL-31FP engine is an old engine. Due to IP can't upgrade it as we strictly follow contracts...and don't reverse engineer... Seriously confused, no solution is the best solution today. Grim situation today with PAK and China fielding 5th gen fight

India is still to create the avionics, FC computer, and other technologies for the AMCA. It will take a long time to incubate these upper-end technologies and test them before installing them into the Su-57. If India can't get the F-35 on par with NATO, then we need to concentrate on developing the AMCA. The Su-57 is just a flying machine and doesn't have much else to offer in terms of 5th gen.

Su 57 is not a true stealth fighter. It has reduced RCS compared to su 30/35. Russian themselves have claimed RCS around 0.5 square metres. Which is 100 time higher than f-35. If opportunity presents and f-35 is offered, we should grab it. I know it will be very expensive but quality comes at a cost.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

Better to cancel MRFA and make 110 SU-57s and fit them with all the avionics and radar made for the AMCA program and Indian missiles. It's a good option for the IAF. Indian items will never be allowed in US jets. It would also be nice if we can get 2 squadrons of F-35Bs for the 4 Juan Carlos-class Amphibious Assault ships that L&T is building for the Navy, along with 24 more MH-60 Romeos. This way, the S-400 wouldn't cause any problems for F-35s.

Better yet, cancel Tejas (it's going nowhere) and concentrate efforts/resources on AMCA/TEDBF.

Su-30MKI, Rafale, MiG-29K are reliable platforms for whatever Tejas could do, without unnecessarily diversifying the platforms and maintenance/spares/costs associated with them. National pride aside, it's time to wake up and call a spade a spade.

AMCA/TEDBF are future-proof and urgently required; Tejas is not, so just concentrate there. Again, Tejas's missions can be done by ANY multi-role operational airframe with the IAF.

If a stopgap measure is required, then Su-57 is, I guess, a better option. Spend money and effort there rather than with Tejas. F-35s would essentially bankrupt the Navy/IAF budget because it's not just high cost, high maintenance, low operational readiness, but also 10 different subsystems or support systems that are required for properly integrating a highly networked fighter like the F-35, which again only works with US-provided systems, without which it's just a glorified stealth missile carrier with low range and speed. Without integrating with local AD like the Russian S-400 (and now even Pantsir), no air force will fly a jet because, otherwise, how would ground operators know a friendly from a foe? The US absolutely will not let that happen.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

SU-57 is a half-baked, half-hearted, non-battle-tested product. It's at best a PoC or a technology demonstrator. With its gigantic RCS & exposed air intakes, it doesn't stand a chance in front of Western 4.5++ gen fighters. Acrobatics in airshows & Pugachev theatrics don't win BVR battles in today's world. No wonder the IAF has given it a cold shoulder.

Wow, everything in your rambling was false and, as you put it, "half-baked." ROFL.

Maybe, instead of a triggered word salad, try researching the actual stats on the Su-57 first.

What is the actual RCS of the Su-57? Any numbers? NO! Only "trust me, bro, it's HUGE!" Did Trump teach you that? Lol.

"Exposed intakes"... no, kiddo, it doesn't. Nice try.

Non-battle tested... I thought NAFO was claiming it's being used in Ukraine? Hmmm.

BVR engagements are won by BVR missiles, kiddo. Russia already has them, along with the Su-57 being the only jet in the world with two L-band radars that can easily detect stealth. The F-22 doesn't even have 360-degree radar coverage; the Su-57 does.
Not to mention, once the F-35/F-22 fire in BVR, they're not stealth anymore, and the Su-57 isn't far behind in firing. And in a dogfight... the F-35/F-22 aren't surviving the vastly superior aerodynamics and maneuverability of the Su-57.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

@WarTech You should read my above comment... That's hard facts. What you put, however, is not. It's just a mainstream downplaying/mocking of Russian equipment trope that's become almost comical now!!!

They could easily detect Su-57s

According to what source? There's only been speculation from the West, and, as usual, mocking tropes repeated in news cycles.

they would struggle to detect an F-35

By older radars, maybe not. But the last 10 years have seen tremendous advancements in stealth detection. From leveraging signals via navigational satellites to triangulate stealth jets and using just receiver antennas, instead of emitting its own (which significantly reduces the risk of revealing its own location—an essential advantage during military operations).

L-band radars, VHF (Very High Frequency), and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band radars are pretty efficient against stealth as well. The longer wavelengths are better at decluttering and detecting the radar-absorbent materials used on stealth aircraft at long ranges than traditional X-band radars, serving as good early warning systems for further analysis with higher frequency radars for accurate identification and tracking.

No matter how stealthy the F-22/F-35 is, its stealth still depends on the aircraft's angle relative to the radar source.
The only edge the F-22 (or any stealth aircraft) today has is ground radars' inability to accurately track and target, NOT that it won't get detected. It absolutely would at ranges of around 100 miles (at least) by advanced radars if the coverage is good, and at 60, even a traditional S-400 radar would detect it.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

It won't be useful against the Chinese, because those buggers stole F-22 and F-35 blueprints and made their jets, while Russia did not have as much access to stolen tech.

Btw, even if China stole the blueprints for the initial F-35, how does that enable them to design and develop such an advanced airframe, along with deploying them in numbers, and two sixth-gen prototypes that are predicated upon 1000 supporting subsystems and industrial advancements in such a short period of time? Ever thought of that? How did they surpass the US in a number of key research and tech fields?

Probably because the number of STEM graduates in the US is 500k each year (many being of Indian and Chinese origin), while STEM graduates in China are 4.5 million!

 

[Karan Gogoi]

Very confused... AMCA taking more than 10 years, no Tejas as GE engine is stalled, even Tejas Mk2 is delayed as no GE 414 contract in place. Su-57 with Russian mission computer and radar is a non-starter - useless. F-35 cannot integrate with Indian sensor system as we are Russian + Indian/Israeli sensors at best w.r.t. Radar extensions. Can't spend money on F-35/Su-57 as we need money for our AMCA. 110kN engine nowhere in sight... and AL-31FP engine is an old engine. Due to IP can't upgrade it as we strictly follow contracts...and don't reverse engineer... Seriously confused, no solution is the best solution today. Grim situation today with PAK and China fielding 5th gen fighters.

Let's address this one by one. Shall we?

Amca- yes

Tejas- GE has provided at least one engine, rest are delayed. But HAL couldn't even make one demonstration airframe for Aero India (IAF chief's own words). My advice: CANCEL Tejas entirely and reroute funds/efforts/resources to expedite AMCA. It's going nowhere, and Su-30MKI, Rafale, MiG-29K, Jaguar, Mirage, etc. are reliable platforms for whatever Tejas could do without unnecessarily diversifying the platforms and maintenance/spares/costs associated with them. National pride aside, it's time to wake up and call a spade a spade.

Su-57- Most probably with Indian co-production avionics and mission computer/integration would be Indian/Israeli, as is the case with Su-30MKI, etc.
Russian radars are useless???? According to what source???? Russian radars are considered some of the best, with pioneering engineering associated with them! Case in point: India is buying anything and everything with Russian radars and detection tech. The Su-57 also is the only jet in the world that carries two L-band radars in the leading edge extensions. L-band radars are really good at detecting stealth coatings at long ranges, BTW.

F-35- Yes, no comments.

110kN and AL-31- AL-31????? Where did you pull that from???? Even the prototype T-50 doesn't fly with AL-31??? Newer AL-51 and AL-51F1 engines fully cover India's need, and with TOT that Russia is willing to give along with the Su-57, it's a REALLY good deal. IP woes or reverse engineering won't matter if TOT happens.

India is also working with Safran for a 110 kN engine.

 

[Calvin]

India should go in for an agreement with Lockheed Martin or BAE for assistance/collaboration for the AMCA. It would benefit India in tech as well as procurement. This continuous propping up of HAL for national pride or vested interests has been a disaster for the IAF. HAL's record in quality and pace of production is unacceptable, and at the current rate, it will take time travel to catch up with R&D and capacity when compared to our rival, China!

 

[TGR]

SU-57 is a half-baked, half-hearted, non-battle-tested product. It's at best a PoC or a technology demonstrator. With its gigantic RCS & exposed air intakes, it doesn't stand a chance in front of Western 4.5++ gen fighters. Acrobatics in airshows & Pugachev theatrics don't win BVR battles in today's world. No wonder the IAF has given it a cold shoulder.

See a western idiot commenting.

India has 100% rights to modify the SU57 be it design, radars, stealth, engines and armaments. We can always improve it. And FYI 0.5m² is not a gigantic RCS even though it's significantly larger than western counterparts. Talking about western jets combat experience, they have never faced a stealth fighter jet themselves head on. Just dropping bombs on nations who have aging mig 21, mig 23, mig 25 and f4 phantoms doesn't make an aircraft battle tested.

Moreover, f35 are unreliable as hell. There engine burns down due to overheating, they have problems in fuel delivery system and their so called advanced computers are full of glitches.

From 2018 to till date 11 f35 have crashed but Su57, has just one crash in 2019 unlike f35

 

[TGR]

To be honest, I think it's a 4.5-gen jet. A lot more improvement needs to be done in terms of design. When it comes to some tech, India can do jugaad by using desi or Israeli tech in it.

Regarding the F-35, bringing it home means surrendering strategic autonomy. We have no idea what the dos and don'ts are attached with this stealth bird. Could be many.

You think wrong then. Whole earth knows su57 is a proper 5th gen fighter. If j20 and j35 of china being worser than su 57 are stealth then obviously su57 is stealth

 

[TGR]

Precisely. Russia is good at quantity, but not quality. The Su-57 is the worst 5th gen jet, with the best being the F-22, F-35, J-20, and J-35, and then the Su-57. It won't be useful against the Chinese, because those buggers stole F-22 and F-35 blueprints and made their jets, while Russia did not have as much access to stolen tech. And their radar tech is reverse-engineered from the Russians. The best of both worlds. They could easily detect Su-57s, whereas they would struggle to detect an F-35.

Not saying anything about buying any particular jet, but stating the hard facts.

Your facts are entirely wrong sadly

 

[Rokuth]

Btw, even if China stole the blueprints for the initial F-35, how does that enable them to design and develop such an advanced airframe, along with deploying them in numbers, and two sixth-gen prototypes that are predicated upon 1000 supporting subsystems and industrial advancements in such a short period of time? Ever thought of that? How did they surpass the US in a number of key research and tech fields?

Probably because the number of STEM graduates in the US is 500k each year (many being of Indian and Chinese origin), while STEM graduates in China are 4.5 million!

It wasn't just blueprints of the aircraft, but the blueprints of the advanced technology and software of the F-35 that were stolen. More than enough info to use on their ongoing projects and for countermeasures against the American aircraft.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Is India considering purchasing both F-35s and Su-57s? India will purchase some number of F-35s; that's 100% sure. The Su-57 is not a true 5th-gen jet, and it also has Chinese components. I think India is very confused right now.

Buying a small number of any aircraft translates into unreasonably high lifetime costs. That's been a constant problem of the IAF for decades now.

Have to commit fully to one aircraft and plan future conflicts around it.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

It wasn't just blueprints of the aircraft, but the blueprints of the advanced technology and software of the F-35 that were stolen. More than enough info to use on their ongoing projects and for countermeasures against the American aircraft.

Official statements and accusations of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Congressional report and Defense Science Board finding - Chinese cyber-attacks have siphoned off crucial specs and technical details of a range of US weapons, including the F-35. It DOES NOT include source codes or software details. The US itself says it.

"Stealing advanced tech"....whatever it was, would do nothing if you don't have an actual advanced industrial base, advanced tech fab ecosystem, and support infrastructure to actually do something with it. They went from not having 5th gen to having not one but two, developing engines for it, manufacturing and deploying it in vast numbers (200-300 estimated) with a production capacity of 200 per year, and then flying 6th gen prototypes in just 8-10 years!!!!! You can realistically attribute that to "stolen tech" rhetoric alone!!!

And I'm not even going to list the sheer monumental amount of leaps in commercial tech and energy research they've made. It's too long.

Chinese composite material, metallurgical, and tech industry has made tremendous advancements in the last 20 years. (At this point, at least nobody can question that part). And that's what's needed to make indigenous engines, RAM, avionics, FCS, etc., etc., etc. needed in addition to airframe engineering and specs (allegedly stolen). Almost all of these are not directly a defense industrial development but exist in the commercial corporate space, so these are definitely not a part of the 2014 Lockheed Martin defense breach in the US that everyone cites.

Again..... I must reiterate: the number of STEM graduates in the US is 500k each year (many being of Indian and Chinese origin) while STEM graduates in China are 4.5 million!!!!!

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

SU-57 is a half-baked, half-hearted, non-battle-tested product. It's at best a PoC or a technology demonstrator. With its gigantic RCS & exposed air intakes, it doesn't stand a chance in front of Western 4.5++ gen fighters. Acrobatics in airshows & Pugachev theatrics don't win BVR battles in today's world. No wonder the IAF has given it a cold shoulder.

Don't know about half-baked or half-hearted, but the Russians have definitely been testing it in Ukraine. As to the results of such tests, there really isn't much information. Russian Air Force performance as a whole has been underwhelming.

You do have a fair point about RCS. All 5th Gen aircraft have blended engine nacelles with the fuselage--except the Su-57. Engine and avionics too seem to be having issues. Difficult times for Russian industry.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Better yet, cancel Tejas (it's going nowhere) and concentrate efforts/resources on AMCA/TEDBF.

Su-30MKI, Rafale, MiG-29K are reliable platforms for whatever Tejas could do, without unnecessarily diversifying the platforms and maintenance/spares/costs associated with them. National pride aside, it's time to wake up and call a spade a spade.

AMCA/TEDBF are future-proof and urgently required; Tejas is not, so just concentrate there. Again, Tejas's missions can be done by ANY multi-role operational airframe with the IAF.

Probably better to cancel Tejas Mk 2, TEDBF too. Buy a capable 4th gen multirole fighter from abroad if deliveries can be ensured without major delays.
Focus on AMCA and engine development and buy Su-57/F-35 as a stopgap - though both are problematic for Indian requirements.
No ideal solution at this point, both foreign acquisition and domestic development have been delayed.