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India’s potential acquisition of the Russian Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jet is expected to remain on hold until the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
This strategic pause is primarily driven by New Delhi's intention to shield itself from significant economic and diplomatic sanctions currently imposed by the United States and European nations.
Strategic Deliberations and Technical Dialogues
While high-level procurement remains frozen, technical and exploratory discussions between Indian and Russian officials are still active.However, sources indicate that the Indian government is not prepared to enter into any legally binding contracts given the volatile global political climate.
The memory of international pressure regarding the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)—which previously complicated India's purchase of the S-400 missile system—remains a pivotal factor in this cautious approach.
Evaluating Local Production and Immediate Needs
The proposal under review involves a two-pronged strategy:- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): The state-run aerospace major is assessing a Russian offer for the domestic manufacture of the Su-57E. This aligns with the national "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives aimed at achieving self-reliance in defence production.
- Indian Air Force (IAF): The IAF is simultaneously examining a government-to-government agreement for the rapid induction of two to three squadrons. This includes a comprehensive review of the aircraft’s advanced radar systems and engine technology.
The possibility of triggering Western sanctions that could disrupt broader economic and defence partnerships remains a heavyweight consideration for Indian policymakers.
Bridging the Capability Gap
The Su-57E is currently viewed as a temporary "stop-gap" to address the IAF's declining fighter squadron strength.It is intended to serve as a bridge until India's domestic aerospace projects, such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Tejas Mk2, reach operational maturity.
According to recent reports from Aero India 2025 and Wings India 2026, the Su-57E offers several high-end capabilities:
- Stealth and Supercruise: Designed for low radar visibility and sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.
- Localisation Potential: Russian officials have suggested that 40–60% of the jet could eventually be built in India, leveraging existing Su-30MKI production lines in Nashik.
The Geopolitical Challenge
The ongoing war in Ukraine has fundamentally shifted the landscape of international arms trade. With Moscow under an intense global sanctions regime, any major military transaction is subject to extreme scrutiny.For India, the decision involves a delicate balancing act: maintaining its historical defence ties with Russia while strengthening its growing strategic alliances with the West.
Consequently, senior officials are meticulously weighing the operational necessity of acquiring a fifth-generation platform against the potential for severe diplomatic and economic blowback.
Until the conflict stabilizes and international sanctions are eased, the Su-57E project will likely remain an open option that is not currently being prioritised for immediate execution.
