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.

 

[PKPRS]

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

But it is not offered yet, it won't be unless S400's are dumped into the ocean or donated.

 

[Enforcer]

But it is not offered yet, it won't be unless S400's are dumped into the ocean or donated.

We have trump now. I don't think he cares much. Hes a deal maker, and basically he just wants to sell and make money. No TOT will be offered ever. So trump 99 percent will sell F-35 to india and in return he wants better trade ties with india aka able to sell more american stuff without import tax.

 

[Rajeshb]

There is no point in going for Russian jet and it will be better if some money is put in AMCA project to expedite the same. Remember USA is not offering any F-35 and Russia in current situation is not a reliable source for any defence items. They are already buying Iranian items and lot from other countries. So it's better to allocate more funds for India's own program rather wasting money on such purchase. Why our system is so so slow in decisions on matter of National interest.

 

[Ashram]

Evaluate Saab..I think currently we will be able to get over our squadron shortage engine shortages with them unless they are dependent on GE for engines.

 

[Saleh]

We should not trust anyone as per today's scenerio We should remember how our handcuffed and sent back so please leave American in as our defence partner In past they have proven to stand against us So go for SU 57 which has proven it capabilities in Syria Don't believe in sanction imposed by Western countries on Russia and Iran both are doing good business

 

[SGN]

Depends on the platform and it's capabilities.... For the moment these jets don't seem to be lighting up the efficiency lights on the top floor

 

[Prem Jain]

Russia is a reliable partner and cooperation in production, ToT, freedom for independent design and production through co production will give Bharath its way of doing things. Russian experience and expertise with Indian technology and innovation will definitely help us achieve good results and can lead to a best product. Geo politics needs to be taken seriously into the planning and execution.

 

[Mayank Jadav]

India should not have left the PAK-FA JV in the first place with no backup plan, by now it would be under production in India.
And since the JV was pre war even US would have any say on the matter now US influence won't let India do this deal.

 

[dunla52]

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.....

Grab it very good fighter

 

[Muthukumar Ponnambalam]

India SHOULD accept it, as it doesn't have the capacity nor the capability to make even a toothpaste of its own. But with one condition. That India should be involved as a 50% developer and not just a consumer nor a financier but a potential technological contributor.

And that there should be 100% TOT with no strings attached. When France offers such TOT for the jet engine, why can't Russia offer a similar one? That too, when Russia is almost an international 'untouchable' and India can be its only hope?

In fact, India can enter into similar agreements with the US, France, and the EU as well to jointly develop about 50 jets each. That way India can have access to the crucial technology from all of them and the minute technological features as well.

That way, it can consolidate the knowledge gained to make gen-6 jets itself, without having to ride on their shoulders again and again and again...

 

[Muthu.Kumar]

India should grab it with a condition that, it should NOT have any strings attached. All the controls should be with India.

Also, Russia should add its latest engine along with this as a packaged deal.