In a significant strategic pivot, India has reportedly opened fresh deliberations regarding the acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-57 ‘Felon’, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation fighter jet.
This renewed interest comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to bolster its long-range strike capabilities and stealth profile.
Defence sources indicate that New Delhi is currently evaluating the potential purchase of at least two squadrons of the heavy fighter, with discussions also extending to a proposal for domestic manufacturing—a framework mirroring the successful licensed production of the MiG series and the Su-30MKI.
This development marks a substantial reversal from India’s stance over the last few years.
Previously, the IAF had reportedly shelved plans to induct the Su-57, citing reservations regarding its compatibility with existing doctrines rather than its stealth characteristics.
At that time, the focus remained steadfast on the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. However, the evolving security dynamics in the region appear to have prompted a re-evaluation of the Russian platform as a pragmatic interim solution.
While the Su-57 is marketed as a fifth-generation stealth aircraft, defence analysts note that its primary utility for India may not be low observability alone. Instead, its distinct advantages lie in its massive payload capacity and extended combat range.
Unlike lighter stealth fighters that often compromise on weapon loads, the Su-57 is engineered for multi-role dominance, combining reduced radar cross-section with advanced avionics and the ability to deliver heavy ordnance over vast distances.
A key element of this potential acquisition is the integration of the Kh-47M2 ‘Kinzhal’ hypersonic missile. This air-launched ballistic missile is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 10 and striking targets with pinpoint accuracy at ranges reportedly exceeding 2,000 kilometres.
The combination of the Su-57’s range and the Kinzhal’s hypersonic manoeuvrability would provide the IAF with a formidable deterrence tool, capable of penetrating sophisticated air defence networks to neutralise high-value deep targets.
Moscow has reportedly sweetened the offer by proposing a comprehensive transfer of technology, allowing for the Su-57 to be assembled or manufactured within India.
This would leverage the existing industrial ecosystem established by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), particularly the facilities used for the Su-30MKI.
Such a move would not only address immediate operational gaps but also deepen the technological defence cooperation between the two nations, continuing a legacy of joint aviation projects.
Despite this renewed interest in the Russian jet, defence officials maintain that the indigenous AMCA programme remains the bedrock of India’s future air power.
Yet, with the AMCA’s maiden flight now projected for 2032 and operational induction likely by 2035, a capability void has emerged.
Faced with the rapid modernization of the Chinese PLAAF, including their J-20 stealth fighters, and growing defence collaboration between Pakistan and China, the IAF is compelled to explore interim options to ensure air superiority in the coming decade.
