Russia Offers Su-57E Stealth Jet Co-production and ToT to India, Promises Assistance in Developing an Indigenous Indian 5th-Gen Fighter

In a potential game-changer for India's air defence capabilities, Russia has offered to supply its advanced Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets. The offer, put forward by Rosoboronexport, Russia's state-owned arms exporter, goes beyond a simple sale and includes a comprehensive partnership encompassing technology transfer and joint production.

Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev outlined the proposal, stating that Russia is willing not only to deliver the Su-57E, the export variant of the Su-57, but also to facilitate joint production in India.

Furthermore, Russia has expressed its readiness to assist India in developing its own indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft. This collaborative approach signifies a deepening of the long-standing defence cooperation between the two nations.

The Su-57, Russia's most advanced fighter jet, is scheduled to be showcased at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. This prominent air show will provide a platform for demonstrating the aircraft's capabilities and serve as a venue for detailed discussions regarding the joint production and technology transfer aspects of the offer.

This initiative aligns with India's ambition to bolster its domestic defence industry and reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers. By gaining access to advanced Russian technology and manufacturing expertise, India could significantly enhance its aerospace capabilities and potentially emerge as a major player in the global fighter jet market.

The Su-57 boasts advanced stealth capabilities, supersonic cruise speed, and cutting-edge avionics. It is designed for air superiority and ground attack missions and is considered a direct competitor to other fifth-generation fighters like the American F-35 and the Chinese J-20.

Rostec, Russia's state-owned defence conglomerate, claims that the Su-57 is the only fifth-generation fighter to have proven its effectiveness against Western air defence systems in real combat scenarios, likely referring to its reported deployment in the Syrian conflict.

This offer reflects Russia's strategic interest in strengthening its partnership with India, a major buyer of Russian military hardware. It also presents India with a unique opportunity to acquire advanced fighter technology and boost its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

The success of this potential collaboration will depend on various factors, including the final terms of the agreement, technology transfer arrangements, and the overall geopolitical landscape.

 

[saffronsword]

Should only be used as stop gap ,till AMCA starts rolling out......depending on how fast they can deliver........if same time line as AMCA ,then no use.....

 

[मित्र]

Only accept if al51 on offer with su57.

 

[Ronin]

This is just a speculation.

 

[tonypepperoni]

No chance IAF would get any Su-57 (even if it is offered) within the next 15 years.

Russian airforce has an order for 80 Su-57 and only 22 Su-57 has been produced in the last 6 years.

Russian airforce currently in a war gets priority over IAF. going at this rate, it would take them 15 years to delivery those remaining 58 Su-57 to the Russian airforce.

Then IAF may get a squadron of Su-57 in 20 years.

IAF is in a tough spot. Wait 20 years for Su-57e or wait 20 years for AMCA.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Thanks but No, thanks! Bharat doesn't need more junk. Gone are the days when India was a poor country and relied on your planes. Also we are developing our own 5 5 gen AMCA and it's 1:1 scale model is being displayed.

 

[PKPRS]

This is just a speculation.

It is possible; it's down to whether we want it. Recent purchases like Voronezh, Klub-S kind of give a picture of the trajectory. I am pretty sure we are not going to make them or induct them for at least another 3-5 years. My guess is GOI will make sure the TKMS submarine is done first, the GE F414 engine is made locally, some cheaper jets like SAAB Gripen E are made locally and inducted first. This is why they are asking foreign companies to deliver the submarine and jets within three years since the contract is signed. When these projects are done, and we have all the necessary tech for self-reliance on critical tech, then they will buy SU-57 and ask Russians to help with AMCA, so that sanctions won't affect much.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

India should have gone for any 5th gen fighter jet, SU57/F35. Without a proper backup plan, India left the FGFA program. It was a blunder. Pakistan is getting a 5th gen jet from China or Turkey. AMCA is very far from reality, maybe by 2040, so India should purchase 2-3 squadrons of 5th gen jets to counter any threat. If the US offers India the F35, I will prefer the F35 over the SU57 any day.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Instead of importing large number of Rafale's, procure 2-3 squadrons of SU57 and similar number of Rafale's.

 

[Gururag Kalanidhi]

AMCA's design and staff quality requirements have far exceeded what's currently possible with the Su 57 or 75. Unless Russia can actually offer the Su57 on a very price competitive basis under the MRFA program, there's no way IAF is even touching it with a 10ft pole. Of course, Su57 is an air superiority fighter that's practically useless for heavy duty multirole missions. So, if Rosoboronexport really wants to grab IAF's attention, they would actually be pushing for either the Su57(adapted for multirole) or the Su34 for the MRFA program.

 

[Sir Capt]

Absolute, utter garbage. A well armed auto rickshaw can out perform this useless machine. Russia wants money to fund it's war machine. Russia will control all aspects of this shady deal. Don't forget the Vikramaditya fiasco.

 

[Enforcer]

F-35 is best. most available jet and most advanced.

 

[ramdas]

I'm uncertain about the probability of the TOT occurring and whether it includes the engine. If it does happen, this would be a strong candidate. I don’t believe the F35, if selected, will be able to match it.

 

[Mango_Indian]

Grab with both hands. The only superior 5th gen aircraft over the SU-57 is probably the F-22 Raptor, and the US will not allow even Israel to smell that. As to teething problems, the lion's share is resolved over the last 10 years the SU-57 is under trials. The AL51 engine is already in production and flying with the SU-57 and will be in full-rate production from 2025. Even if we sign now, the first plane will be delivered in the 2028/29 timeframe, by which time the AL51 will be in steady-state production.

Cherry on top will be a much lower price than Rafale. Bamboo from behind is that China has a 5th gen fleet numbering 200 aircraft from which it will donate some to P!ggie$tan as well.

Don't depend on HAL's 2-3 aircraft per year production or France's 40 Rafales for the cost of Mumbai city. And yes, don't bring Adani or a Gujarat assembly factory into the picture.

 

[vinod nair]

We, the country, need to be our best friend and hedge our capital acquisition from both internal and external sabotage or delay due to n number of reasons to safeguard our security till the thing is delivered and operationalized completely. In this context, we need fighters of the fifth generation on our terms, submarines and aero-engines of various capacities. We can't blindly trust one supplier; we need to negotiate with L1 and L2 simultaneously. We can't be a mere pushover for others; we are too large for that, and we can't be anybody's war turf. Our interest is predominant; that is of 1.5 billion people.

 

[Sandeep]

India should look at the technology on offer, capabilities, weapons usage and compatibility, price, ToT, type of engine, upkeep costs, local manufacturing and its compatibility with our air command before junking the jet and offer.

If the jet seems beneficial then we can easily import just 1-2 squadron for a cheaper price to give us enough time for the AMCA program to finish development and start production.

 

[Taus Melek]

Let's face it guys, India does NOT have the capability to develop world-class fighter aircraft, and if India bought from foreign countries then it will be screwed technically and financially, and in the event of conflict, there is no guarantee that the said countries would stop spare parts/assistance. In short, unless India gets its act together regarding fighter aircraft research, then India will be screwed.

 

[NikK]

We, the country, need to be our best friend and hedge our capital acquisition from both internal and external sabotage or delay due to n number of reasons to safeguard our security till the thing is delivered and operationalized completely. In this context, we need fighters of the fifth generation on our terms, submarines and aero-engines of various capacities. We can't blindly trust one supplier; we need to negotiate with L1 and L2 simultaneously. We can't be a mere pushover for others; we are too large for that, and we can't be anybody's war turf. Our interest is predominant; that is of 1.5 billion people.

'Hedging' is exactly what got you in this big mess. You are not technologically advanced and expect a partner to fully commit, transfer tech and build you an assembly line. At the same time you want to be 'neutral' and dance with the partner's foes. Ain't gonna happen!

 

[Vikas Yadav 007]

disadvantages of the Su-57 stealth jet:

1. *Engine issues*: The Su-57's Saturn AL-41F1S engine has been plagued by problems, including limited thrust and reliability concerns.

2. *Radar cross-section*: Although the Su-57 has a reduced radar cross-section, it's not as stealthy as US fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35.

3. *Limited sensor fusion*: The Su-57's sensor suite, while advanced, may not offer the same level of sensor fusion and data integration as Western fifth-generation fighters.

4. *High operating costs*: The Su-57 is reportedly expensive to operate and maintain, which could limit its deployment and effectiveness.

5. *Limited production numbers*: The Su-57's production numbers have been limited due to various issues, including funding constraints and technical challenges.

6. *Vulnerability to advanced air defenses*: Although the Su-57 has advanced stealth capabilities, it may still be vulnerable to advanced air defenses, such as those using advanced radar systems and surface-to-air missiles.

7. *Limited export potential*: The Su-57's export potential may be limited due to its high cost, complexity, and limited production numbers.

8. *Dependence on Western components*: The Su-57 may rely on Western components, such as engines and avionics, which could be vulnerable to sanctions or export restrictions.


9. *No Second Seat Provision*: The Su-57 is a single-seat fighter, which can limit its capabilities in certain scenarios, such as:
- Training and pilot conversion
- Combat situations requiring a Weapons System Officer (WSO)
- Reduced situational awareness and workload sharing
10. *Limited Stealth Features*: Although the Su-57 has some stealth capabilities, they are reportedly limited compared to Western fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35. Specifically:
- The Su-57's radar-absorbent materials (RAM) are not as effective as those used on Western stealth fighters
- The aircraft's design features some non-stealthy elements, such as its engine nozzles and vertical stabilizers
- The Su-57's stealth capabilities may be compromised by its relatively large size and weight

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

F-35 is best. most available jet and most advanced.

F 35 has a significant production rate and by all accounts is an outstanding 5th Gen platform. However, it comes with a hefty price tag and total US control over logistics and weapons integration. Also its offered only to US allies which we are not.
Question is, "Do we want to be an US ally? "

 

[rtnguy]

Take it with both hands. 18 more rafales and 90 Su 57. Thats the only choice we have and don't look at fair weather friends who deport your citizens in handcuffs.

 

[Cookie monster]

One thing India should know clearly is that Russia will stay neutral in case things escalate with China.

Given the sanctions from the west, China is now the most important trade partner Russia has to hedge it's bets in whatever capacity possible.

 

[Arin Kumar]

Don't make us laugh by Joint Production.
It will be a screwdriver assembling operation in India with all parts manufactured in Russia.

Just tell me, we are using the Su 30 MKI for the last 25 years and still cannot copy it fully (only 54% of engine of Su 30 MKI is made in India, all important components still come from Russia) - how do you think we can Jointly develop a 5th Generation Aircraft

 

[raghu4414]

Looks like this page is sponsered by some interesting party..though India needs 5th gen aircraft ,,it should be a stop gap arrangement,,India's main requirement is the engine..looking at the scenario trump is very unpredictable..so better rely on someone who has helped us before...I am not saying Russia does it for free..

 

[P.K Senapati]

Su57 with AL51 engine joint production is acceptable. It is a win-win.

AMCA aircraft and 110kn engine program can continue as it takes time and also they are of different class and do not conflict.