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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[R. Singh]

Post Op Sindoor ,India must buy and make Su-57 (I) with MUMT, S-500 and TU-160 and TU-22M3 armed with Kinzhal & KH series of anti ship missile.!

 

[Ayush Rastogi]

Below are my observations on this article. IAF needs three to four more squadrons of Su-57E fighters.

a) PLAAF operates at least five to six squadrons of J-20 and J-31A. PAF will get its J-31 squadron by January 2026. IAF is lagging behind badly; the AMCA prototype has not been given the go-ahead yet. Induction lies way beyond 2034-2035. Tejas Mk2A lies half dead somewhere in government files.

By this time, PLAAF may operate sixth-generation jets. The Kaveri engine cannot be fully developed without Russia's help. IAF already flies Su-30 MKI; there is no logistics challenge. IAF can integrate Astra, Rudram, BrahMos, and Virupaksha radar to make an IAF variant of the Su-57.

b) IAF has a mere 31 squadrons, against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons. It needs to retire approximately seven to eight (approximately 112-128 jets) squadrons of Jaguar and MiG-21 in the next few years. HAL (because of the US Biden administration, GE engines) and its snail's pace will only produce 98 Tejas Mk1A, which is just five to six more squadrons by 2028 (optimistic deadline, can get delayed). MoD needs to give an additional order of 97 Tejas Mk1A to private players (Tata Advanced Systems, etc.).

S-400 systems proved very effective against SSM (HATF-1 Series) by the Pakistan Military (Operation Sindoor).

PLAAF operates J-20, J-31, Su-35s, Su-30MKK, strategic bombers (H-16, H-20), and more complex jets. PLAA has DF-17, DF-27, DF-41 hypersonic cruise missiles, and other ICBMs. PLAA also has ASAT capabilities. PLAAF operates more batteries of S-400 than IAF.

IAF and IA need more advanced batteries of S-400 and even need S-500 (anti-satellite capabilities) for complete security in North East, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. S-400, S-500, Akash SAM, Barak SAM, and IgniS will completely secure India's western and eastern borders.

Since IAF does not have any strategic bombers, we can ask for two squadrons of Tu-160. Tu-160 can be coupled with Rafales, Tejas Mk1A, and Su-30MKI for strategic bombing (ammunition dumps, military cantonments) in North East and PoK in conflict.

PLAN operates at least 30-40 (advanced submarine fleet (SSBs, SSNs) + 25), while IN operates a mere 18/2 (many are unavailable at one time due to upgrades) + 6 (Project 75) + 2 (nuclear class subs) + 1 (Akula leased from Russia) submarines. Many of IN's submarines need immediate refurbishment. Let's take Russia's help and update at least half of them to be most lethal with Kalibr missiles.

 

[Arjuna]

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.

 

[sanket]

With local joint production of Su-57 and S-500, with majority stake being held by HAL, BEL, or other private players, it will not attract CAATSA sanctions. Bharat is already selling BrahMos, which is a joint venture with Russia.

 

[Maxo]

🇮🇳 presume Russia leads under a Deal with US , is why be taking up for project in Pakistan . Trump crypto game . Russians the new Mexicans. 100% tot or nothing . 🇮🇳 assistance to 9tgers no being turned as its weakness or compulsion . WHIP GTRI , LACK OF AERO ENGINE IS COSTING 🇮🇳 BILLIONS IN EXPORT & TEJAS STREAMLINING .. THEY MUST SHAPE UP . PITY LIKE COMMUNISTS NATION CANT BE HANGED FROM LAMP POST OR SHOT ON STREET ...... A STRONG INDIA IS ONE THAT EVERY MOMENT BE ADDING POSITIVE TO ITS OUTCOMES HENCE VIBRANT & LAYERED SINEWS OF ABILITIES & CAPABILITIES POOL. SELF SERVICE - SELF HELP !!

 

[king dorm]

Russia's economy is already under pressure from sanctions and a two-year war; at this moment, Russia would be most lenient. We should use this opportunity and push for acquiring Russia's top defence techs for Made in India.

 

[Hawkeye]

One good example is that they could offer TOT on the Yakovlev Yak-141 STOVL jet. We can make a variant of TEDBF; like this, there are many more.

 

[APJ]

Russia's economy is already under pressure from sanctions and a two-year war; at this moment, Russia would be most lenient. We should use this opportunity and push for acquiring Russia's top defence techs for Made in India.

Yes. And a joint venture with complete ToT will also help Russia by de-risking its platform being overly dependent on Chinese supply chain.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

Hats off to Raghav Patel. I mean I have seen Raghav drafting different articles on this kind of deals and related offers extended by Russia almost on everyday basis, with a real hope of hearing some exciting news in this relation. I just wonder we all on this platform who know little bit of defense and the dire state of IAF condition how on earth does the GOI, MoD and the IAF itself can be sooooooo....... lethargic in taking some constructive decision and concluding it. Is that so difficult to make decisions, I do understand that these are bilateral deals between the countries which has all the factors to be considered but when it comes to protection of Nation the decisions should be definitely fast tracked and in favor of Nation nothing else. When we know too disastrous state of IAF going through and every year it is going to worsen. The age of every aircraft is depleting reducing everyday. The over hyped and over budgeted Rafael also came with crawling pace. I mean sometimes I find myself stupid while reading and writing on this matter of precarious IAF situation every now and again.

 

[Flanker]

Yes. And a joint venture with complete ToT will also help Russia by de-risking its platform being overly dependent on Chinese supply chain.

Should capitalize this opportunity to get our hands on their best missile technologies, i.e., Zircon, Oreshnik, Kinzhal.

 

[Flanker]

One good example is that they could offer TOT on the Yakovlev Yak-141 STOVL jet. We can make a variant of TEDBF; like this, there are many more.

TEDBF is going nowhere man.

 

[Hawkeye]

TEDBF is going nowhere man.

Once we get the right engine, everything will take off. They could also use twin Project 177s engines in TEDBF and ORCA and skip Tejas MK2 altogether.

 

[APJ]

Should capitalize this opportunity to get our hands on their best missile technologies, i.e., Zircon, Oreshnik, Kinzhal.

I was thinking more like drones, counter-drone, and other new-age systems. Missiles would be a more sensitive issue.

With many private firms already in joint ventures with Western counterparts, a joint venture drone with Russia brings something new to the table.

Also, our missile ecosystem is getting there, plus offensive weapons are very eye-catching, as most missiles Russia made were to counter NATO. It's time to capitalise where we are generations behind. It's not about just a product but sectors like metallurgy, aerodynamics, etc. Science and logic are foundations which are still lacking. But I am no expert, just a thought.

 

[Flanker]

Once we get the right engine, everything will take off. They could also use twin Project 177s engines in TEDBF and ORCA and skip Tejas MK2 altogether.

Isn't that too heavy for TEDBF? Also, IAF doesn't seem to be interested in ORCA.

 

[king dorm]

I was thinking more like drones, counter-drone, and other new-age systems. Missiles would be a more sensitive issue.

With many private firms already in joint ventures with Western counterparts, a joint venture drone with Russia brings something new to the table.

Also, our missile ecosystem is getting there, plus offensive weapons are very eye-catching, as most missiles Russia made were to counter NATO. It's time to capitalise where we are generations behind. It's not about just a product but sectors like metallurgy, aerodynamics, etc. Science and logic are foundations which are still lacking. But I am no expert, just a thought.

Russia is actually not known for its drones. For the Ukraine war, Russia had to get Iranian loitering ammunition drones, plus they are getting FPV small drones from China, so I don't think Russia can help us much. What Russia is good at building are radars, and we are already partnering with them on big radars.

 

[Hawkeye]

Isn't that too heavy for TEDBF? Also, IAF doesn't seem to be interested in ORCA.

Things might change. Looking at the timeline of Tejas MK1A, there is a high probability of skipping Tejas MK2. If the GE F414 is denied for buying from Russia, then what other option do we have for the next 10-15 years? Kaveri is showing no sign of maturity; it is going to take a while.

 

[Flanker]

Things might change. Looking at the timeline of Tejas MK1A, there is a high probability of skipping Tejas MK2. If the GE F414 is denied for buying from Russia, then what other option do we have for the next 10-15 years? Kaveri is showing no sign of maturity; it is going to take a while.

M88 T-REX is the ideal engine for TEDBF, to be honest.

 

[Hawkeye]

M88 T-REX is the ideal engine for TEDBF, to be honest.

Why buy a foreign engine when we make 177S locally? T-REX is not good for Tejas MK2; it only has a dry thrust of 60 kN. There is no information currently about the weight of Project 177S. They say it is lighter than the AL-31 engine as they have used a lot of composites on the engine, which means it will be closer to the weight of the GE F414 engine.

 

[Avada kedavra]

Russia's economy is already under pressure from sanctions and a two-year war; at this moment, Russia would be most lenient. We should use this opportunity and push for acquiring Russia's top defence techs for Made in India.

That's the issue. I am not seeing any real leniency from them. They still think they are the superior partner in the relationship, not equals. I read somewhere that a joint venture deal with a Russian entity for an Indian train was in a deadlock because of the Russian side's refusal to dilute their shares below 49%. They wanted half the piece. Most of them honestly are deluded.

Initially, I used to think this hatred of Russians among Westerners is driven by just emotions and empty rhetoric. But now, slowly, I am seeing the truth.

Then the main issue is, why are they offering the Su-57E instead of the Su-57 itself? India deserves it considering it provided some money for the initial designing.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

Can anyone please help me to know what exactly Make in India and Atmanirbhar products is with respect to Indian Airforce. Is this idea really gaining pace and really helping for Airforce. I mean we are able to see a remarkable progress with this idea in respect to case of Navy and Army. Airforce and GOI is some what lagging behind for Airforce needs, it is clear that Godrej has already supplied two KDE to DRDO, the first test flight of Ghatak was planned in June 2025. The project is still in files awaiting the CCS approvals. Why we are involving buerocratic structure in such key projects. Why are we not in hurry for these kind of projects. PMO not getting involved directly in such projects is the big disadvantage. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

The situation is such that we have to be dependent on foreign playes right now for making Airforce strong, but at the same time we should make remarkable progress which we have our own and not sleep on them. If Ghatak becomes success we need not look for Okthonik as Ghatak being home grown will be far more superior to Okthonik.

Ghatak is one such project along with Kaveri 2.0 jet engine which should be funded and made fast track given right away to private player.

Since this is an open forum and platform to discuss and share information can anyone put light on the fate of Ghatak project please.

 

[APJ]

Russia is actually not known for its drones. For the Ukraine war, Russia had to get Iranian loitering ammunition drones, plus they are getting FPV small drones from China, so I don't think Russia can help us much. What Russia is good at building are radars, and we are already partnering with them on big radars.

True. But that's because they didn't deem drones necessary. In fact, the world didn't utilize drones at the scale they have started doing now.

Russia has the foundation: the composites, the physics. I am not saying they are the best, but they usually have what the West lacks since their tech is made to counter the West, not just match them.

So, that foundation can be good for India. But of course, China won't let it be that easy, and that's where Russia will have to decide how much they are willing to bet on Chinese "goodwill."

And a joint venture in drones doesn't mean there can't be radars etc. But for an equal partnership, or even an Indian-heavy one, drones would be a good starting point and less eye-catching than big-name deals. There might already be something going on that I haven't read about.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

True. But that's because they didn't deem drones necessary. In fact, the world didn't utilize drones at the scale they have started doing now.

Russia has the foundation: the composites, the physics. I am not saying they are the best, but they usually have what the West lacks since their tech is made to counter the West, not just match them.

So, that foundation can be good for India. But of course, China won't let it be that easy, and that's where Russia will have to decide how much they are willing to bet on Chinese "goodwill."

And a joint venture in drones doesn't mean there can't be radars etc. But for an equal partnership, or even an Indian-heavy one, drones would be a good starting point and less eye-catching than big-name deals. There might already be something going on that I haven't read about.

I suppose India can fall back on Israel for drone technologies, as in Op Sindoor we had used these drones effectively. And not to underestimate our own Indian grown drones. Lot of medium and advanced industries are developing the drones and they are very good. Along with Israel our Adani drones had done too good. Lets not forget yesterday with our drones we battered the Myanmar terror groups. I feel with both India and Israel technologies we are well placed for drone warfare. We boast China but they are may be good at manufacturing but their nothing is battle tested. Russian war is also equiped with Iranian and Russian made drones and no China involvement apart from few parts maybe.

 

[Mango_Indian]

India should buy 4-6 squadrons of Su-57M and exercise the option of a 36 Rafales follow-on contract. Russia will give a very good price on the Su-57M. Deliveries will start in 3-4 years of placing the orders. Making them at HAL will delay this by 5+ years and inflate costs by 30-40%, which is "hafta" charged by HAL for screwdriving. Moreover, HAL is so far behind on production of Tejas Mk1A and HTT-40 and has so many programs on its plate - Tejas Mk2, AMCA, and TEDBF etc., which are not making expected progress. Loading another program will create more delays. Plus, we should also place additional orders for S-400 - at least 2 more squadrons and Tu-160.

Defence of the country should not be put hostage in the name of indigenization/HAL.

 

[Gentleman]

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.