Russia Offers Su-57E and Su-35M to India with Full ToT to Address IAF's Squadron Shortfall and 5th-Gen Fighter Needs

In a major strategic move, Russia has formally offered India a two-pronged aviation package featuring its premier Su-57E stealth fighter and the advanced Su-35M combat jet.

The proposal, aimed at bolstering the Indian Air Force's (IAF) depleted squadron numbers and providing a fifth-generation fighter solution, includes an unprecedented offer of full technology transfer for local manufacturing.

The comprehensive deal was reportedly put forward by Russia’s state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec.

It pitches the Su-57E, Russia's most advanced stealth fighter, for licensed production by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Simultaneously, it offers the Su-35M as a direct-supply option to meet the IAF’s urgent requirement for 114 new jets under the ongoing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.

This proposal seeks to solidify Russia's position as India's primary defence partner amid intense global competition.

The Fifth-Generation 'Make in India' Proposal​

The centrepiece of the Russian offer is the plan for domestic production of the Su-57E.

The proposal suggests that HAL's Nashik facility, which has extensive experience from producing over 220 Su-30MKI aircraft, could become the hub for manufacturing the fifth-generation fighter.

Russia has offered complete Transfer of Technology (ToT), including crucial source codes, which would allow India to integrate its own indigenous weapons and systems.

This high degree of localization—projected at 40-60%—aligns with New Delhi's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" policy.

It would enable the IAF to equip the Su-57E with Indian-made systems such as the Astra beyond-visual-range missile, the Rudram anti-radiation missile, and the domestically developed Virupaksha AESA radar.

Analysts suggest that technology gained from the Su-57 project could also provide significant benefits to India's own futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

An Immediate Boost with the Su-35M​

To address the IAF’s immediate operational gaps—currently at 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42—Russia is offering the 4.5-generation Su-35M jet for rapid delivery.

Rostec officials claim the Su-35M shares up to 80% of its core technology with the IAF's existing Su-30MKI fleet. This high degree of commonality would simplify maintenance, reduce training time for pilots and ground crews, and allow for the use of shared infrastructure, ensuring a smoother and faster integration into the air force.

Russia has stated that its production lines for the Su-35 have been significantly ramped up due to ongoing military operations, promising that it could deliver enough jets for two full squadrons to India within two to three years of a signed contract.

Advanced Engine Technology on Offer​

A key technological aspect of the proposal involves advanced jet engines. Both the Su-57E and Su-35M are powered by the Saturn AL-41F1S engine, which provides exceptional thrust and supermaneuverability.

However, Russia is also offering its next-generation engine, the Izdeliye 177S. This engine is designed with serrated nozzles and other features that reduce its heat and radar signature, enhancing the aircraft's stealth capabilities.

Crucially, the Izdeliye 177S boasts a service life of 6,000 hours, a threefold increase over the Su-30MKI's current AL-31FP engines, and is designed to be a direct replacement.

This would allow the IAF to upgrade its entire fleet of over 250 Su-30MKIs, extending their service life and improving their combat performance.

Russia has indicated it is waiting for a commitment from an international partner, such as India, to begin flight-testing the new engine.

Challenges and Geopolitical Considerations​

Despite the attractive terms, the Indian government faces several challenges in evaluating the Russian offer.

The IAF has reportedly shown a preference for the French Rafale fighter, which has already been integrated into its force structure.

Furthermore, some Western defence analysts have raised questions about the Su-57's stealth characteristics when compared to American aircraft like the F-35.

A significant hurdle is the risk of geopolitical fallout, particularly potential U.S. sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which casts a shadow over major defence deals with Russia.

India also has long-standing concerns regarding the reliability of spare parts and maintenance support from Russia, an issue that has previously impacted the operational availability of the Su-30MKI fleet.

New Delhi must now carefully weigh the economic and industrial benefits of this proposal against these strategic and geopolitical risks.

 

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[Mc Addy]

Russia is under attack so we are the best bet for it so why not

 

[Mc Addy]

Russian air defence grid has collapsed, so has Israeli network and so is Pakistani military network, only successful system is ours, the Akashteer and that is an assurance besides normalcy in country ,that's Russian assets will be safe and will be available anytime. Russia has a collapsed air defence and internal security situation.Too lax .

 

[PrasannaBJN]

I think we should go for this Offer. Ma be we can take 2 squadrons of SU 57E and 2 Squadrons of SU35. This will immensely help Us and also Russia as well. Russia always stood for us and will be always. So we Need to also help Russia when in need. This will also help India in understanding Technologies behind 5th Gen and Help build AMCA at a Qucker pace rather than taking a decade.

 

[AK49]

@Mc Addy
With complete TOT it's a good Bet, besides can improve on the Tech over time while AMCA gets to take off in Tandem , a Bird in the Hand is better than 2 in the Bush as Interim measure

 

[Ayush Rastogi]

I Have the following Observations, why India Shoudl adopt for Su57E(3-4 Squadrons) immediately:
1) PLAAF operates atleat 5-6 squadrons of J20 and J31A. PAF will get its J31 Squadron by January 2026. IAF is lagging behind badly,AMCA prototype is not given go ahead still. Induction lies way beyond 2034-2025. Tejas MK2A lies half dead somewhere in Gov Files.

By this time PLAAF may operate six generation Jets. Kaveri Engine can't be fully developed without Russia's help.IAF already flies Su30 MKI , no logistics challenge. IAF can integrate Astra, Rudram , Brahmos, and Virupaksha radar to Make IAF variant Su57.

2) IAF ( has mere 31 Squadrons, against sanction Strenght of 42 Squadrons),needs to retire approx 7-8( approx 112-128 Jets) squadrons of Jaguar and Mig21 in next few years. HAL ( because of US Biden Admin, GE engines) and snail pace will only produce 98 Tejas MK1A which is just five-six more squadrons by 2028(Optimistic deadline, can get delayed). MOD need to give additional order of 97 Tejas MK1A with Private players ( Tata Advanced Systems ,Etc).

3) Day by Day IAF is lossing Ace pilots flying outdated Mig21, Jaguars. Alteast 10 accidents reported in last 12 months.

4) US F35 will come with very heavy cost , kill Switch, and restrictions. Logistics wil be big challenge.We may need to buy more US military equipment before getting hands of F35.

 

[Mc Addy]

@Mc Addy
With complete TOT it's a good Bet, besides can improve on the Tech over time while AMCA gets to take off in Tandem , a Bird in the Hand is better than 2 in the Bush as Interim measure

AMCA is a permanent failure as no one , from USA, to UK to Europe to Japan to France is willing to give us engine technology or willing to sell engines with super cruise capabilities with thrust vectoring . It will never happen as even Tejas Mk2 can't happen due to the missing heart ,that's the engine.We have narrowed down options.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

In past few months I have been hearing, reading and discussing on different platforms regarding these offers and also few other offers. Now I have gone frustrated, board and absolutely mad on discussing, writing and reading on this topic. Hell lot of offers will come because every one knows the fractured and absolutely messed up situation of IAF. We are loosing jets along with decorated pilots at an exemplary wish, no problem why the hell bloody the bureaucrats would mind this they are least concerned. GOI, MoD and IAF will pay tributes to families that's it. We are digging our own grave yard with illogical, baseless and years long discussions in the AC rooms. Why to bother for our pilots and their life, we will continue with AC room prolonged discussions. The reason is we are an illiterate bunch of officials who do not know the need of the hour. The time bomb is ticking and we are pretty much well seated on the bomb. Stupidity at its best as per some media sources why you want Mr. Putin's visit to sign the MoU for this deal if you want to fast track the deal if at all. Arrange our NSA to fast track the deal. Bring end to this topic and safe guard our skies with empowering our IAF.

 

[Doc]

Both, the Su-57E and the Su35M fall into Russia's 'premier' category of fighters - the first in Stealth and the latter in MRFA.

As long as no adversary comes knocking on our western or northern borders, our existing, depleted squadron strength of 30 will help us 'hold the fort', so to say. But, as both these borders are volatile, there is a need to urgently induct state of the art
combat aircraft, with twin objectives of obtaining NG technology and rapidly boosting sqn strength.

The Russian twin offers of the Su-57E and the Su-35M couldn't have come at a better time. The Big Q is : full ToT, source codes and export sanctions. Will they be on offer with no strings?

What we need to do is to work out a deal for engine upgrade to AL-41 and similar rights for this engine too.

Towards what has been stated earlier, we need to go for 'off the shelf' purchase of two sqns each of both aircrafts while the manufacturing lines are being set up.

Our sqn strength will jump by 4 within a short span of time.
Our homegrown MRCA is stíll a dístant dream.

Have written on this issue on different threads earlier.

 

[Ashish Kumar]

This is a very relevant offer from Russia to the INDIAN Government.Although the SU-57 offer along with Izdeliye 177 engine Complete TOT offer is beneficial & we should not miss this opportunity but I am not in the favour of Su-35M since both SU MKI 30 & SU-35 is a heavy class fighter with 80-90% common attributes.It is always better to produce more SU MKI 30 if at all IAF wants to fill the squadron strength.Since I believe SU MKI 30 is more capable aircraft then Su-35.Su MKI 30 with Indian subsystem & avionics will be comparable to a 5th generation fighter except Stealth.So IAF should ask for more SU MKI 30 with super Sukhoi standard rather taking any 4.5 generation fighter.Another 4 squadron of Su mki 30 in Upgraded configuration will solve IAF problem.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

Both, the Su-57E and the Su35M fall into Russia's 'premier' category of fighters - the first in Stealth and the latter in MRFA.

As long as no adversary comes knocking on our western or northern borders, our existing, depleted squadron strength of 30 will help us 'hold the fort', so to say. But, as both these borders are volatile, there is a need to urgently induct state of the art
combat aircraft, with twin objectives of obtaining NG technology and rapidly boosting sqn strength.

The Russian twin offers of the Su-57E and the Su-35M couldn't have come at a better time. The Big Q is : full ToT, source codes and export sanctions. Will they be on offer with no strings?

What we need to do is to work out a deal for engine upgrade to AL-41 and similar rights for this engine too.

Towards what has been stated earlier, we need to go for 'off the shelf' purchase of two sqns each of both aircrafts while the manufacturing lines are being set up.

Our sqn strength will jump by 4 within a short span of time.
Our homegrown MRCA is stíll a dístant dream.

Have written on this issue on different threads earlier.

Agreed but we cannot wait for something to happen first and then think of any purchases. Gen GD Bakshi Sir has already raised concern for a two way war situation. The latest updates is a three way war situation include bangladesh they have also started showing signals. We should never believe on taking your enemies for granted. India have very costly infrastructure assets spread across which were protected recently during war but we should be now very much alert as any penetration will cost us heavy damage. China will never enter into direct war at least now where they have their own internal problems and an eye on Taiwan. But they are continuously engaged with proxy war.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

This is a very relevant offer from Russia to the INDIAN Government.Although the SU-57 offer along with Izdeliye 177 engine Complete TOT offer is beneficial & we should not miss this opportunity but I am not in the favour of Su-35M since both SU MKI 30 & SU-35 is a heavy class fighter with 80-90% common attributes.It is always better to produce more SU MKI 30 if at all IAF wants to fill the squadron strength.Since I believe SU MKI 30 is more capable aircraft then Su-35.Su MKI 30 with Indian subsystem & avionics will be comparable to a 5th generation fighter except Stealth.So IAF should ask for more SU MKI 30 with super Sukhoi standard rather taking any 4.5 generation fighter.Another 4 squadron of Su mki 30 in Upgraded configuration will solve IAF problem.

Absolutely its high time now to really have things on ground than on paper. Enough of discussions time to act. I would still go for SU 35, an ideal deal of 70/ 30 of both SU57 and SU35 under MRFA will be good. SU35 is definitely advanced version and combat tested, it has elevated cruse speed almost of Mach 2.2 and higher pay load capacity. My belief is we should definitely build our own indigenous jets but take what bolsters us. The targeted Tejas Mk1 of 180 by 2030 gives us about 10 squadrons addition of these two will increase it to around 50. The need of 41 was way back now we must have at least 70. And a mix bag of our own and taken will strengthen the IAF.

 

[Ashish Kumar]

Absolutely its high time now to really have things on ground than on paper. Enough of discussions time to act. I would still go for SU 35, an ideal deal of 70/ 30 of both SU57 and SU35 under MRFA will be good. SU35 is definitely advanced version and combat tested, it has elevated cruse speed almost of Mach 2.2 and higher pay load capacity. My belief is we should definitely build our own indigenous jets but take what bolsters us. The targeted Tejas Mk1 of 180 by 2030 gives us about 10 squadrons addition of these two will increase it to around 50. The need of 41 was way back now we must have at least 70. And a mix bag of our own and taken will strengthen the IAF.

I can understand your frustration like me but purchasing Su-35 with same class as SU MKI 30 Doesn't make sense to me.Both have 90% commonality except Irbis E & the AL41F powerplant rest remains same.If u upgrade SU MKI 30 with VIRUPAKSHA AESA RADAR,EWR, INDIAN AVIONICS, INDIAN MISSILES with IZDELIYE 177,ALONG WITH R-37 M BVR Missiles it will surpass even 5th generation fighter except Stealth.We should ask HAL to manufacture atleast 4 squadron of SUMKI 30 with super Sukhoi configuration and the quality will always be dominant on others like pak & Chinese.Rest we must manufacture SU-57 With complete TOT & source code to become self reliant.

 

[Mc Addy]

@Mc Addy
With complete TOT it's a good Bet, besides can improve on the Tech over time while AMCA gets to take off in Tandem , a Bird in the Hand is better than 2 in the Bush as Interim measure

AMCA will never take off as no engines with super cruise abillity is possible for us to get ,more over if we can we make it then only , which looks impossible over 25 years of Tejas LCA program, depending on engine from USA and that too is stalled , so is the need to buy these stealth from Russia now .

 

[Doc]

Agreed but we cannot wait for something to happen first and then think of any purchases. Gen GD Bakshi Sir has already raised concern for a two way war situation. The latest updates is a three way war situation include bangladesh they have also started showing signals. We should never believe on taking your enemies for granted. India have very costly infrastructure assets spread across which were protected recently during war but we should be now very much alert as any penetration will cost us heavy damage. China will never enter into direct war at least now where they have their own internal problems and an eye on Taiwan. But they are continuously engaged with proxy war.

I said that we need to take the Russian offer, buy off the shelf and start manufacturing of the Felon.
Didn't say wait !!!!

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

I can understand your frustration like me but purchasing Su-35 with same class as SU MKI 30 Doesn't make sense to me.Both have 90% commonality except Irbis E & the AL41F powerplant rest remains same.If u upgrade SU MKI 30 with VIRUPAKSHA AESA RADAR,EWR, INDIAN AVIONICS, INDIAN MISSILES with IZDELIYE 177,ALONG WITH R-37 M BVR Missiles it will surpass even 5th generation fighter except Stealth.We should ask HAL to manufacture atleast 4 squadron of SUMKI 30 with super Sukhoi configuration and the quality will always be dominant on others like pak & Chinese.Rest we must manufacture SU-57 With complete TOT & source code to become self reliant.

Probably your pitch for not opting SU35 is right being the same as SU30. Manufacturing of extra squadrons of SU30 is best idea but looking at the HAL commitments, Tejas Mk1, Mk2, SU30 upgrade to Super SU, it looks little difficult as they are already falling short of commitments. Probability to increase our squadron strength can be achieved if we opt for off the shelf deliveries. SU35 is probably advanced version and if we get off the shelf jets say around 3 to 4 squadrons 2-3 year down the line this will be effective as we will be able to scatter our squadrons more effectively across fronts. SU30 definitely remains backbone of IAF, if we can add 3-4 sq of SU57 and 3-4 sq of SU35 as off the shelf option it will be great. I would prefer SU35 3-4 sq as stop gap not more than this. With total transfer of SU57 along with 3-4 sq off the shelf, we should concentrate on continuous production of SU57 aim to achieve around 1 sq per year. SU57 till we get our own AMCA should be the main production target.

 

[AdolfH-ki-biwi]

Well my stance is that, India should opt to buy SU-57s only if they are equipped with modern AL-51-F-1 engines, AL-41 ain't stealthy it was not even made for Su-57, AL-51 was developed for Su-57, AL-41 was made for
Su-35. And considering the offer of Su-35, India should talk with Russia to buy Su-34s instead of Su-35, it's an awesome jet, it has proved its significance over ukraine, India should buy Su-34 to replace ageing Jaguars and Su-57 for to fulfil amca gap for neighbour adversaries

 

[Ashish Kumar]

Probably your pitch for not opting SU35 is right being the same as SU30. Manufacturing of extra squadrons of SU30 is best idea but looking at the HAL commitments, Tejas Mk1, Mk2, SU30 upgrade to Super SU, it looks little difficult as they are already falling short of commitments. Probability to increase our squadron strength can be achieved if we opt for off the shelf deliveries. SU35 is probably advanced version and if we get off the shelf jets say around 3 to 4 squadrons 2-3 year down the line this will be effective as we will be able to scatter our squadrons more effectively across fronts. SU30 definitely remains backbone of IAF, if we can add 3-4 sq of SU57 and 3-4 sq of SU35 as off the shelf option it will be great. I would prefer SU35 3-4 sq as stop gap not more than this. With total transfer of SU57 along with 3-4 sq off the shelf, we should concentrate on continuous production of SU57 aim to achieve around 1 sq per year. SU57 till we get our own AMCA should be the main production target.

Your point is very valid but again Russian manufacturing sector is already stretching too much because of ongoing war with ukraine.so it is better that HAL should segregate their workforce into 3 manufacturing lines.1 will manufacture TEJAS MK1 aircraft,2 will manufacture TEJAS MK2 ,WHILE 3rd team would work on SU MKI 30 upgradation to Super Sukhoi configuration since it will take much time because of huge numbers we have.May be if few more teams can be utilised for SU-57 manufacturing with complete TOT.

 

[GhoshDiganta]

Looks enticing, but how capable will it be is not known.