MoD May Consider Russian Su-57E For IAF's Immediate 5th-Gen Needs, Local Production and Full Source Code Access Key Factors

India's Ministry of Defence is evaluating a renewed proposal from Russia to supply its Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to address a critical shortfall in its combat fleet.

The offer is reportedly being considered as a potential stop-gap measure to modernise India's aerial capabilities while its indigenous advanced combat aircraft program continues development.

Russia's comprehensive offer includes options for both a direct off-the-shelf purchase and, more significantly, licensed production in India.

The proposal suggests manufacturing the advanced jets at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) facility in Nashik. This plant has extensive experience, having produced over 220 Su-30MKI fighters, making it a prime candidate for such a high-tech undertaking.

A key highlight of the deal is the offer of full access to the aircraft's source code, a crucial element that would allow India to integrate its own arsenal of weapons, such as the Astra and Brahmos missiles, and upgrade the jet's systems independently.

The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the IAF, is expected to spend the next several weeks carefully assessing the proposal.

The evaluation comes as the IAF grapples with a combat fleet reduced to approximately 31 squadrons, significantly below the sanctioned strength of 42 required to manage potential two-front threats.

This urgency is compounded by regional developments, including China's progress with its own stealth fighters like the J-35A. Reports suggest India could be looking to procure between 40 and 60 Su-57E jets to counter these emerging challenges.

A notable feature of the latest Russian proposal is the offer to configure the Su-57E to be compatible with systems being developed for the IAF's Su-30MKI fleet upgrade. This would streamline logistics, maintenance, and pilot training, creating valuable synergy between the two platforms.

The focus on local manufacturing at the HAL Nashik plant also strongly aligns with the government's "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiatives, promoting domestic defence production.

The Su-57E is Russia's export version of its premier fifth-generation multirole fighter, designed for air superiority and attack missions.

Its primary features include stealth technology to reduce radar visibility, supermaneuverability for advanced combat agility, and the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds without using afterburners.

While the aircraft is currently powered by the AL-41F1 engine, it is slated to receive the more powerful and efficient 'Izdeliye 30' engine in the future.

This is not the first time India has considered the Su-57 platform. A previous collaboration with Russia, known as the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, was shelved in 2018.

The decision was made due to concerns over high development costs, disagreements on work-share, and questions regarding the aircraft's engine reliability and stealth capabilities at the time.

However, the pressing need to bridge a looming air power gap before India's own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) becomes operational—expected around 2035—has brought the Russian offer back into consideration.

Should the deal proceed, the Su-57E would become the first fifth-generation fighter to be inducted into the Indian Air Force. This acquisition could provide a significant technological advantage and enhance India's deterrent posture in an increasingly complex security environment, securing the nation's airspace for the coming decade.

 

[R. Singh]

Russia must upgrade Su-57 RCS at par with F-35 if they want joint production with India !

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

No point on assessment without concrete fast-track decision making. Have been hearing about this deal from past few months and years with no solution and decision neither from IAF nor from GOI. At present there is no better option than SU57 for depleting Air power that India is facing. Our AMCA is just in the middle of discussion and the real work might start in near future. AMCA engine finalization will take another minimum six to seven months as the declaration will be done somewhere by end of this year which is too long. F35 will be death order by America for IAF so no chance of F35 with all the tantrums it comes with. You wont be getting J35 from China its out of window. What remains is only SU57 and it is a very formidable machine which comes with all the requirements that India wants. This ToT will be as good as India 5th gen jet. This will help Indian brains to work with 5th gen technology and apply the positives to AMCA project and how to improve the shortfalls. I think instead of pondering over the deal fast forward the deal as even if we opt for 40 jets off the shelf it will definitely take a year or two to complete the task and we are loosing the time which India critically do not have with them. The reason being the disaster that GE has forced on India and the Tejas project in real jeopardy. With Trump getting closer to pakistan there will be no improvement in the near future as seen.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

Russia must upgrade Su-57 RCS at par with F-35 if they want joint production with India !

F35 is a hyped machine, recently we have seen the negative side of F35 previously it was told that due to insufficient fuel RAF had to land F35 in Kerala. Still the F35 is on the ground about one week past this due to the hydraulics issues which remains unsettled. Even the Pentagon has slashed to orders due to technical complications they have faced with the machine. So overall the F35 is more hyped than a true stealth and if the Iran claims are true if they really are of targeting and destroying about 3 to 4 jets then that is the big big blow to the claims of this being the best in business.

 

[Andy13]

SU57 is using lots of Chinese equipment. Thatll b a headache.

 

[Madan]

No point on assessment without concrete fast-track decision making. Have been hearing about this deal from past few months and years with no solution and decision neither from IAF nor from GOI. At present there is no better option than SU57 for depleting Air power that India is facing. Our AMCA is just in the middle of discussion and the real work might start in near future. AMCA engine finalization will take another minimum six to seven months as the declaration will be done somewhere by end of this year which is too long. F35 will be death order by America for IAF so no chance of F35 with all the tantrums it comes with. You wont be getting J35 from China its out of window. What remains is only SU57 and it is a very formidable machine which comes with all the requirements that India wants. This ToT will be as good as India 5th gen jet. This will help Indian brains to work with 5th gen technology and apply the positives to AMCA project and how to improve the shortfalls. I think instead of pondering over the deal fast forward the deal as even if we opt for 40 jets off the shelf it will definitely take a year or two to complete the task and we are loosing the time which India critically do not have with them. The reason being the disaster that GE has forced on India and the Tejas project in real jeopardy. With Trump getting closer to pakistan there will be no improvement in the near future as seen.

SU57 is using lots of Chinese equipment. Thatll b a headache.

That thing has to be taken care of before any deal is finalised. Insist on Russian components replacement. But India has to move very fast killing Babu's red tapism and coming out of self patting mode after operation sindur. Pakistan is only wounded and will retaliate surely after some time. So wakeup IAF, Indian Government and Indian Babus. HAL has to be kicked out of its deep sleep and put into some real work. Search replacement engines for GE404 and 414. Forget about commissions.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

That thing has to be taken care of before any deal is finalised. Insist on Russian components replacement. But India has to move very fast killing Babu's red tapism and coming out of self patting mode after operation sindur. Pakistan is only wounded and will retaliate surely after some time. So wakeup IAF, Indian Government and Indian Babus. HAL has to be kicked out of its deep sleep and put into some real work. Search replacement engines for GE404 and 414. Forget about commissions.

Absolutely agree with this, they are wounded and will try to retaliate so we need to be prepared which we definitely are which is shown by continuous drills and air exercises. The interdependency of Russia and China is well balanced so China wont play plot for parts of SU57. Though the Chinese angle is there in SU 57 this should not be hinderance for deal of SU57 as no county is completely independent or self sufficient in itself.

 

[kunitesh]

It's a great offer for IAF to induction the SU57 with full TOT and source code. It's an excellent platform as far as range , weapon payload, speed and Agility is concerned. India can collaborate with Russia to improve stealth and integrate cutting edge avionics and weapons like GAN AESA radar, Brahmos NG , Astra MK3, Rudram and Russian hypersonic missiles to make it a really potent air dominance platform. Constant delays in TejasMK1, MK2 and AMCA programs by HAL makes it important to go ahead with this deal and not widen the capability gaps with air force of histile neighbours

 

[Takumi]

Russia must upgrade Su-57 RCS at par with F-35 if they want joint production with India !

It's average rcs is already similar to American 5th gen and better Rear aspect stealth with new engine, not to mention it's way way more stealthy than any 4th gen platform and better than f35 by miles if you compare both these jets objectively.

 

[Imaxxx]

If considered, we need to get the private sector involved in a big way. Maybe tender it out to see who can manufacture it fastest/cheapest etc. In pursuit of profit, private sector will indigenize at max to reduce costs. HAL has no such motivation.

 

[bks78]

If Russia provide new engine which is still in trial stage with provisions to replace radar with our own, sharing code to integrate indian missiles then buying 36 SU57 is not a bad option with complete technology Transfer.

 

[Senapati]

Yes Su57 along with Al51 engine and long-range missiles make in India and involve private companies to indigenise maximum spareparts.
Get source code to integrate indigenious radar avionics display systems armaments and missiles and EW systems.

 

[Anonymus]

Like we even have any other option with us.

If India goes with Su-57E purchase, the biggest question will be:

Why did India even leave the FGFA project? Are all issues resolved which India raised with Su-57? And if Su-57 is going to be chosen, then what about MRFA?

If India had stuck to the FGFA project, we might be operating at least one squad by now.

If IAF and MoD made their mind to stick to AMCA and not to import any other aircraft except MRFA, then stick to it only.

 

[Mike Alumkal]

This is the right opportunity to grab the offer with the depleting squadron we have..not only that a 5th gen fighter with full source code is extremely good offer. Ita like a circuit board with its entire coding given into your hands..imagine what India can do with it. Our brains can in no time indegenise it. This is will be a mutual benefit for both India and Russia because of the fact export factor as India's products are geting the respect and value they desrve. Govt should move fast..for godsake don't keep this offer under someone butt for another 5 years...

 

[Vikas Khanna]

Our priorities as a nation is so wrong DRDO annual budget is 28000 crore and Ladli bhen yojna for buying females vote budget is 32,000 crore. DRDO budget should be doubled they are already giving us exceptional technological advances in our equipments

 

[Capt Mahendra]

No point on assessment without concrete fast-track decision making. Have been hearing about this deal from past few months and years with no solution and decision neither from IAF nor from GOI. At present there is no better option than SU57 for depleting Air power that India is facing. Our AMCA is just in the middle of discussion and the real work might start in near future. AMCA engine finalization will take another minimum six to seven months as the declaration will be done somewhere by end of this year which is too long. F35 will be death order by America for IAF so no chance of F35 with all the tantrums it comes with. You wont be getting J35 from China its out of window. What remains is only SU57 and it is a very formidable machine which comes with all the requirements that India wants. This ToT will be as good as India 5th gen jet. This will help Indian brains to work with 5th gen technology and apply the positives to AMCA project and how to improve the shortfalls. I think instead of pondering over the deal fast forward the deal as even if we opt for 40 jets off the shelf it will definitely take a year or two to complete the task and we are loosing the time which India critically do not have with them. The reason being the disaster that GE has forced on India and the Tejas project in real jeopardy. With Trump getting closer to pakistan there will be no improvement in the near future as seen.

I agree India needs to Stop 🛑 wasting more time in analysing as an excuse to further delay. Instead our technical people have been detail analysing the machine for last so many years thus order about 40 to 50 off the shelf and get into the manufacturing mode on a war footing to face the imminent agression that's being planned by our both side neighbouring adversarys on a war footing to contain India against its fast paced development.
Remove all the bureaucracy Red tape and sign the agreement with Russian government to government deal.

 

[murtyn459]

Our priorities as a nation is so wrong DRDO annual budget is 28000 crore and Ladli bhen yojna for buying females vote budget is 32,000 crore. DRDO budget should be doubled they are already giving us exceptional technological advances in our equipments

You are correct get out of this freebie syndrome this can happen only of Indian psyche changes otherwise we will not have Modi Government.

 

[murtyn459]

As stated by many that this jet is having Chinese parts. If so IAF should assess and identify, in collaboration with HAL, which are these parts and can they be replaced with Indian substitutes. Otherwise, India should not go in for this jet. As far as importing few jets it should be avoided since these gets will contain Chinese parts which is dangerous.

 

[Santosh]

Who "sanctioned" a squadron strength of 42 for the Indian Air Force?

 

[Madan]

Like we even have any other option with us.

If India goes with Su-57E purchase, the biggest question will be:

Why did India even leave the FGFA project? Are all issues resolved which India raised with Su-57? And if Su-57 is going to be chosen, then what about MRFA?

If India had stuck to the FGFA project, we might be operating at least one squad by now.

If IAF and MoD made their mind to stick to AMCA and not to import any other aircraft except MRFA, then stick to it only.

MRFA is a dangling carrot from last two decades onward. Don't believe in it. It won't materialise. So forget about MRFA and go for the SU 57 with required changes for immediate requirement. Buy atleast two to four squadrons and give a big boost to AMCA project.

 

[AMCA446]

Yes this must consider and now in 2025 is important because later its value going to decline b cos our lineup is coming in coming years. This SU-57 with Indian super Sukhoi upgrades will be a lethal combination of so many indigenous techs and will also replace the Su-30s in ~2040s. Then India will have 2 types of 5th gen platforms in his fleet one 5.5 gen Su-57 and other our own 5.9 gen AMCA with CATS warriors also.
Imagine the Bhartiya fleet then.....
🇮🇳🚀🚀🚀

 

[Doc]

The Su-57E, even in its present form is a formidable machine - Wikipedia will tell us that. This, despite its early entry into the stealth category of fighter aircraft.

It is reported that an engine-upgrade is in the offing, to the Izdeleye 30 (or what is generally referred to as the Saturn AL-51), which will push up its overall performance. [ For the record, AL series of engines already has the AL-31, 41, 55 versions].

As an off-the-shelf, or, as a licenced production of this aircraft, we have everything to gain. Its manoeuvrability is par excellence and NO aircraft in the world (presently) will be able to come anywhere near its class in that category.

It has an external payload of almost 10,000 kgs and a combat range of 1,250 kms (3,500 kms at subsonic and 1,500 supersonic).
All in all a formidable machine well worth its cost.

Presently, its only stumbling block is a radar unsuited to the IAF's requirements, as retro-fitting of the Uttam (if that is HAL's final choice) will mean associated delays.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

The Su-57E, even in its present form is a formidable machine - Wikipedia will tell us that. This, despite its early entry into the stealth category of fighter aircraft.

It is reported that an engine-upgrade is in the offing, to the Izdeleye 30 (or what is generally referred to as the Saturn AL-51), which will push up its overall performance. [ For the record, AL series of engines already has the AL-31, 41, 55 versions].

As an off-the-shelf, or, as a licenced production of this aircraft, we have everything to gain. Its manoeuvrability is par excellence and NO aircraft in the world (presently) will be able to come anywhere near its class in that category.

It has an external payload of almost 10,000 kgs and a combat range of 1,250 kms (3,500 kms at subsonic and 1,500 supersonic).
All in all a formidable machine well worth its cost.

Presently, its only stumbling block is a radar unsuited to the IAF's requirements, as retro-fitting of the Uttam (if that is HAL's final choice) will mean associated delays.

If Radar is the roadblock I see no issues with it, you do not have your radar in Rafael still we are persisting with the orders Rafael M no future for Uttam till 2035. Russian aerospace is no bad they are equally good and they are giving complete package with source codes we can easily incorporate our Radar in near future in it. The real problem is the diversion of thoughts and too much arrogance behavior, geopolitical pressure threats from Western lobby with the offer, we have heard of Russia giving us offer of not only SU57 but SU35 (under MRFA) these machines are proven class as they are being used on almost everyday basis in the war against Ukraine and they are doing absolutely wonderful job. Some how we are adamant enough and do not want to take the offer for the base less reasons one is our Tejas (God also not sure when it will be completed) and the futile AMCA (which do not see sunrise before 2040). IAF, MoD, GOI seems to be far asleep on the three dimensional threats that are there. Your Raphael wont be that potent on the altitudes of Himalayas you will require stealth capability with extra agility in combat. SU57 and SU35 will give that edge, also we are very well versed with SU platforms and our main aim should be increasing the depleting squadron strength right now. Tejas and AMCA when success will have an added advantage but right now they are far from becoming a reality and a powerful support.

 

[Madan]

Even Tejas MK I won't. HAL has refused to use it.

 

[Doc]

If Radar is the roadblock I see no issues with it, you do not have your radar in Rafael still we are persisting with the orders Rafael M no future for Uttam till 2035. Russian aerospace is no bad they are equally good and they are giving complete package with source codes we can easily incorporate our Radar in near future in it. The real problem is the diversion of thoughts and too much arrogance behavior, geopolitical pressure threats from Western lobby with the offer, we have heard of Russia giving us offer of not only SU57 but SU35 (under MRFA) these machines are proven class as they are being used on almost everyday basis in the war against Ukraine and they are doing absolutely wonderful job. Some how we are adamant enough and do not want to take the offer for the base less reasons one is our Tejas (God also not sure when it will be completed) and the futile AMCA (which do not see sunrise before 2040). IAF, MoD, GOI seems to be far asleep on the three dimensional threats that are there. Your Raphael wont be that potent on the altitudes of Himalayas you will require stealth capability with extra agility in combat. SU57 and SU35 will give that edge, also we are very well versed with SU platforms and our main aim should be increasing the depleting squadron strength right now. Tejas and AMCA when success will have an added advantage but right now they are far from becoming a reality and a powerful support.

Yes, you are right.

The AMCA, though its full-scale model is being shown - for international and local interest/eye-balling, is still very far away from production, though its much touted first-flight might just get 'speeded' up for HAL to prove its utility to the nation and that it isn't to be trifled with.

The Tejas Mk2 is presently at the mercy of GE, which has shown its inability (in all probablity deliberately) to adhere to timelines. They have delivered one 404 after a considerable and unjustifiable break. We can expect the same kind of garbage when it comes to the 414.

The plain picture is this : no aircraft manufacturer wants Bharat to have its own stealth fighter. Why? Simply becase they will lose out on fly-away aircraft sales, manufacturing rights and aero-engines that they have for export besides, of course sales of our home-grown figters which will be on offer at a lower price.

Collaborating with us for engine-design and manufacture is a slow and distant dream. In this regard, we need to take a serious look at the engine Japan has on offer and go for it for the AMCA, as the 414 has been selected for the Mk2. The Japs are less likely to ditch us, as compared to GE, Safran, or Rolls Royce. Yes, we can dialog with the latter pair so that engine tech and manufacturing rights - for export - can be considered.

So, what do we do? Go for the Su-57E, which the Russkys are ONLY TOO READY to sell. Go for at least 8 fighters and 2 trainers in fly-away/maintainable condition (after conversion training in Russia) so that planned/phased induction of squadrons can begin. In the interim, firm up the manufacturing and exporting rights of this marvellous fighter with Sukhoi - a Govt-to-Govt deal would hasten the entire process and be in our best interests.

Chances of increasing our squadron numbers can be hastend if we think on these lines because AMCA otherwise will NOT materialise in a hurry. Our Mirages and Jaguars are due (in the not too distant furure) for replacement too.