Russia Offers Niche Techs to India, Including Su-57E, Tu-160, S-500 and Kalibr to Retain Historic Defence Ties

In a strategic move to preserve its long-standing defence relationship with India, Russia has reportedly made unprecedented offers of its most advanced military technology.

These proposals come as India actively diversifies its arms imports and promotes its domestic manufacturing goals through the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.

For decades, the Indian military has been heavily reliant on Russian equipment, with over 60% of its arsenal, including platforms like the Su-30MKI fighter jets, T-90 main battle tanks, and Kilo-class submarines, having Russian origins.

The jointly developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile stands as a testament to this deep-rooted partnership. However, New Delhi's strategic calculus is evolving due to changing geopolitical dynamics and a focused push for self-sufficiency.

Concerns over potential supply chain disruptions following the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the risk of international sanctions have accelerated India's efforts to diversify its defence procurement.

This strategic shift is evident in India's growing partnerships with nations such as the United States, France, and Israel, and significant investments in indigenous platforms like the Tejas light combat aircraft.

A recent deal with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the construction of six advanced submarines further underscores India's intent to reduce its dependency on a single supplier.

In response to these developments, Moscow is reportedly willing to provide not just equipment, but also deep technological collaboration on niche and previously restricted systems.

The offers are designed to align with India’s modernization objectives and maintain Russia's position as a key partner in India's defence landscape.

Highlights of Russia's Advanced Offerings:​

• Su-57E Stealth Fighter: Russia's United Aircraft Corporation has proposed the joint production of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-57E. The offer reportedly includes full technology transfer and source codes, allowing India to integrate its own avionics and weapon systems. Local manufacturing would be handled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), providing a significant boost to indigenous capabilities until India's own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is ready.
• Tu-160 Strategic Bomber: In a significant potential upgrade to India’s power projection, Russia has indicated a willingness to discuss the Tu-160 "Blackjack." This supersonic, long-range strategic bomber would provide India with a capability that is currently not available from its Western partners.
• S-500 'Prometheus' Air Defence System: Following India's acquisition of the S-400 Triumf, Russia has proposed the next-generation S-500 system. The 'Prometheus' is designed to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), hypersonic cruise missiles, and even satellites in low earth orbit, offering a substantial leap in air defence capabilities.
• Upgraded Submarine Fleet: Moscow has offered to refurbish six of India's existing Kilo-class (Sindhughosh-class) submarines and arm them with the advanced Kalibr cruise missile, which has a strike range of up to 2,000 kilometres. Furthermore, Russia is set to lease a second Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, which would also be equipped with the Kalibr missile, bolstering India’s underwater deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.

While these proposals are compelling, New Delhi faces several critical considerations.

The threat of sanctions under the U.S. Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) remains a factor in any major defence deal with Russia.

Furthermore, questions regarding the reliability of delivery schedules amid Russia’s ongoing military commitments and the cost-effectiveness of upgrading ageing platforms like the Kilo-class submarines must be weighed against competing domestic priorities.

Ultimately, India’s decision will involve a careful balancing act between nurturing a time-tested defence relationship with Russia and pursuing its strategic goals of diversification, self-reliance, and managing its multi-aligned foreign policy in an increasingly complex global environment.

 

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[vinod nair]

If we are purchasing a 1.2 billion-dollar piece sub from Germany, then we are making a fool of ourselves.

 

[Arjuna]

I really don't think we should go for SU 57.It's not really a very good Fifth Generation plane. It has lower stealth features compared to F 35.And most importantly Russians themselves didn't use it much in Ukraine even though they desperately need air superiority. If it were that good planes then we would have definitely seen it used in a much higher number by the Russians.But it didn't happen.In comparison look at F 35 it is combat tested and it's a pretty good plane. Israel used it heavily against Iran and the Iranians could do nothing against it.


So i believe instead of SU 57 we should go for F 35 and focus on AMCA instead. If necessary we can ditch MMRCA deal and buy some SU 57 but ultimately our focus should be on F 35 and AMCA.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

Is there any difference between Su-57 and Su-57E? (I know Su-57E is an export version). I just want to know what Su-57E lacks from Su-57.

As far as my knowledge goes there is no difference, except that any export varient has the compatabilities that can be understood by a non resident of the country (in a lay man language). Otherwise it remains the same. In this case the non export variant will be designed so that it can be easily understoody by a Russian pilot and technician.

Kindly correct me if wrong​

 

[Kira]

Su-57 – Unproven and definitely not as stealthy, plus lacks the superlative radar and other sensors offered by the F-35.

Tu-160 – Although it may appear as a great strategic offering at first, it is entirely unsuited for IAF doctrine and needs, plus is a very large target both in combat and on the ground, as seen by Ukrainian drone strikes.

Refurbished Kilos – Again, there is limited life in these older SSKs, and they are more prone to mishaps.

S-500 – Potent, but would be costly, and Russia, as seen with the S-400, may not be able to fulfill its contractual obligations. Also, since Project Kusha is in the works and likely delivered by 2030, there won't be a need for any additional Russian AD systems.

Akula SSN – Basically daylight robbery by the Russians, as Akulas themselves are 40+ year designs, plus the lease itself is costlier than the construction of a whole new SSN.

Kalibre – It's a good offer (for yesterday), but considering that LRCM is already under development for both IA, IN, and IAF, I don't think it's required now as it may have been a few years back.

PS – Having said the above, India can buy a few of the Kalibres to evaluate and incorporate any knowledge into the LCAM missiles.

In addition, India can pay Russia a hefty sum for a handful of Kinzhals and their technology, and use it to fine-tune India's own hypersonic and HGV missiles.

 

[Anant]

1. Su-57E? Can be considered, though I have my personal reservations about these.

2. Tu-160 or Tu-160M: We have no need for such expensive assets given our strategic considerations.

3. Refurbished Kilo-class boats: Absolutely not, thank you. Russia can keep those aging submarines and scrap them along with their sad excuse of a carrier.

4. S-500: Worth serious consideration, but given the news of additional S-400 batteries, Project Kusha, and the BMD program, do we need another system?

5. Akula-class SSNs: Would be useful, but there is no viable way for Russia to lease out an Akula-class boat that still has a decade or so left in it, given the age of the Akulas and Russia's minimum force strength requirements. Moreover, with the Kuznetsov almost certainly slated for scrapping, Russia will have to double down on submarines to maintain their perceived great naval power status.

 

[Anant]

If we are purchasing a 1.2 billion-dollar piece sub from Germany, then we are making a fool of ourselves.

We paid Russia over 3 billion dollars for the lease of each Akula-class boat for a decade. That was on top of having to bear any and all operational costs as well as pay for the weaponry.

You'll find that the Russians have been taking us for a ride considerably more.

 

[coke]

Go for their engines, hypersonic missiles, rare earth minerals, high-altitude engine test facility, isothermal forging press, and all related stuff.

 

[tinopol]

None of these offers apart from the Strategic Bombers and submarines are really suitable for us in my opinion.


For Fifth Generation planes we should focus heavily on AMCA and buy around 3 squadrons of F 35.

AMCA will not be ready in another 15 years. Best is to buy 5th generation jets

 

[Arjuna]

AMCA will not be ready in another 15 years. Best is to buy 5th generation jets

2035 maybe the earliest from what i have seen in news.I doubt it will be another 15 years but any rate we should buy F 35 for stopgap measure.