Russian Su-57E Fighter Jet Falls Short of IAF's Stringent 5th-Gen Requirements, Making Indigenous AMCA More Appealing

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is showing little interest in acquiring the Russian-made Su-57E fighter jet, citing concerns that the aircraft does not meet the stringent requirements for a true fifth-generation platform.

A senior IAF official, speaking at the Aero India 2025 event, stated that the Su-57E has several shortcomings.

The IAF's assessment is that even if it were to buy the Su-57E, significant changes would be needed. Specifically, the plane's radar and avionics systems – the electronic 'brains' and 'eyes' of a fighter jet – would require complete replacement. This integration process would be lengthy, delaying the aircraft's operational readiness.

The IAF believes that by the time these upgrades were finished, India's own domestically developed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) would likely be ready to enter service.

The AMCA is a fifth-generation fighter jet being developed by India's DRDO and HAL. It is designed to incorporate key fifth-generation features, such as stealth technology, advanced sensors, and the ability to carry a wide range of weapons. The first flight of AMCA is expected by 2028, according to DRDO, and the production may start around 2034-35.

When questioned about Pakistan potentially acquiring the J-35A from China, IAF officials stated that the service is applying a measured response. The IAF will use its past experience when Pakistan acquired F16s fighter jets.

During the 1980s, IAF acquired Mirage-2000s and Mig-29As to counter the F-16s of Pakistan. This time, IAF is taking a strategic, long-term view. The IAF is prioritizing the creation and fielding of domestically produced advanced platforms, like the AMCA, over quick-fix acquisitions.

The IAF's position underscores its dedication to building a self-sufficient defence infrastructure. It also emphasizes that the Air Force's future fighter fleet must meet its long-term operational needs, rather than being driven by short-term reactions to regional developments.

 

[P2S2]

As usual, most of the time, Russian defence platforms are not fully developed, or rather, poorly developed, but Russia is eager to sell its defence hardware, e.g., T-90 tank and Su-30. These were dud platforms until and unless India showed interest to procure them and finally developed them. So, all in all, Russia needs money from foreign countries to develop their own platforms; this is the Russian style of management—awkward, clumsy, and botched, but sometimes remarkable.

Mother Russia actually cut up its armaments and sold them as scrap after they left East Germany. West Germany sold off the East German navy ships to Indonesia. The West invoiced the Saudis for their expired armaments which were dumped on humans and replaced them with new stock. Clumsy botched but straight forward.

 

[John Doe]

What if pakistan tomorrow acquires J35a and attacks India within a year?? Will the AMCA be ready by then??

 

[Karan Gogoi]

Even birds fly. Just because SU 57 has wings and engines, it doesn't provide any justification for buying. IAF shouldn't even consider it, even if it's offered free of cost. RAFALE, or F15 EX, or for that matter any other 4.5+ can be considered. Not this. IAF needs genuine fighter jets, not for conducting any aerial circus. COBRA, Pugachev maneuverability is no more relevant in today's aerial combat. BVR Missiles, technology driven by AI, networking between different platforms with user-friendly UI holds the key. F35 is not known for its maneuverability, but still it's a potent platform because of its cutting-edge technology.

Wow, everything in your comment is baseless, fact-less propaganda narrative that the world sees being peddled in Western cope channels incessantly to downplay Russian equipment, even though more often than not it has proven its mettle in the real-world scenario.

Yes, the nation that has been building fighter jets and engines for the longest time in history (other than the US) and is one of the only nations that has the longest history of rivaling US+allies in the aeronautics engineering field... doesn't know how to build and deliver "genuine" fighter jets! How astute and enlightening. Even the most staunch Su-57 critics don't disregard its frontal stealth or potential combat prowess.

The F-35 is a potent platform. - Is that the reason why it falls out of the sky every Tuesday in peacetime? ROFL. Let alone the abysmal combat readiness, hair-pulling amount of service and maintenance cost + time, astronomical lifetime cost + additional systems cost because its "cutting edge" tech doesn't integrate or network with anything else which is NOT American! And I haven't even brought up the mind-numbing passcode checks that are required EVERY DAY, making the client a cuck to the US!

The F-35 is a bomber for BVR and SEAD operations, not fighter or air superiority roles. BVR is NOT about stealth alone but about BVR MISSILES, tracking, and target acquisition. Once the F-35 has fired... it's not stealthy anymore, and the Su-57 has plenty of BVR arsenal of its own and countermeasures. Not to mention, it is the only fighter jet in the world with dual L-band radars in the leading edge extensions and 360-degree radar coverage. The F-35 doesn't have that! Fun fact: no matter how stealthy a jet is, L-band can detect RAM coating from afar, and stealth is always dependent upon the relative angle of approach to radar waves. So not only is the F-35 potentially going to get detected first, but if the Su-57 managed to dodge, negate the first F-35 BVR (DIRCM, electronic countermeasures, etc.)... the Su-57 can fire its own, and the gap is closed, making the F-35 a sitting duck with no maneuverability or rearward radar/tracking/targeting coverage. Maneuverability and aerodynamic performance are NOT as obsolete as everyone thinks. If it were, then why bother with the Rafale or F-15EX?

And with rapid advancements in radar tech and stealth detection, "stealth" is NOT the cheat code it once used to be. The F-35 has NEVER faced a peer adversary or showcased its prowess against it.

User-friendly UI? Are you running a new flight simulator game or new Windows? Ever listened to seasoned Indian pilots about touch screens in control computers? They still prefer part-analog tactile controls, which are more intuitive and responsive 100% of the time.

Which FCS, DFCC, or other network systems does the F-15EX or Rafale possess that the Su-57 doesn't or hasn't already showcased?

Like I said... totally baseless sand castles and clueless mocking.

 

[Pos2soP]

Which jet engine will be on the IAF's AMCA project? Indigenous engine?

 

[John Doe]

Thank God... Thank God... Good sense prevails...

Now cancel MRFA.

And order 300-400 Tejas Mk2 in its place...

Price of 114 Rafale = price of 400 Tejas Mk2.

Those are 4th generation fighters.... They will not be able to counter J35a!!

 

[bonito]

No MRFA, no 5th gen, no UCAV for the next 4 yrs, and retirement of 3 squadrons. 👏👏👏 Guess we will fight with sticks and stones with our new enemy neighbor, Bangladesh.

 

[Job]

Well if we are not choosing SU 57, then hope we are not bending down to USA to buy the F 35?? Is this the game?

 

[Avada kedavra]

It would be hilarious for India to buy the same jet it rejected in 2018 for being inferior.

By the way, I believe India spent around 300 million on this plane. What did India get in return?

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

Our organization has been an embarrassing let down. These white elephants have made this highly strategic work that's equivalent to patriotism into a very mundane 9-5 job that pays the bills and provides a pension. This is why India has never been able to come out of this import culture.

Govt employees seem to forget that they are receiving all these privileges for serving their nation and hence there needs to be an aptitude test, psychoanalysis, and thorough vetting of those who apply and are selected for jobs that shape the nation's present and future. Only then can we see a truly Atmanirbhar Bharat.

 

[P2S2]

I bet the US already has fully autonomous fighters. I bet China is close to achieving them. Invest in AI. It can address all our 5G problems. Ghatak and CATS with fully autonomous AI brains can surpass our enemy's 5Gs.

China needs to sell more Oportos to its Indian and Bangladeshi customers wrestling in the mud while Trump needs to offload thousands of Servicemen and women to the sons of the Azov sea. Since they don't accept transsexuals he has signed a Presidential ban on hiring them in the armed forces. All services have to justify their cost effectiveness. Since the Russians banned them, they can't be offloaded to stupid people killing each other and take over the welfare of professional trained Americans. It will take a while for it to sink in. Chinese feel safe in India and NOT Pakistan. Chinese females are flooding into India and adding to the difficulties of Chinese men finding wives leading to the outflow of Chinese males into South East Asia looking for wives. Maybe a percentage of them will become sexually confused and lose their jobs too. It is better for Desis to keep wrestling a bit longer while the world sorts itself out or they get sacked.

 

[Sridhar]

Wow, everything in your comment is baseless, fact-less propaganda narrative that the world sees being peddled in Western cope channels incessantly to downplay Russian equipment, even though more often than not it has proven its mettle in the real-world scenario.

Yes, the nation that has been building fighter jets and engines for the longest time in history (other than the US) and is one of the only nations that has the longest history of rivaling US+allies in the aeronautics engineering field... doesn't know how to build and deliver "genuine" fighter jets! How astute and enlightening. Even the most staunch Su-57 critics don't disregard its frontal stealth or potential combat prowess.

The F-35 is a potent platform. - Is that the reason why it falls out of the sky every Tuesday in peacetime? ROFL. Let alone the abysmal combat readiness, hair-pulling amount of service and maintenance cost + time, astronomical lifetime cost + additional systems cost because its "cutting edge" tech doesn't integrate or network with anything else which is NOT American! And I haven't even brought up the mind-numbing passcode checks that are required EVERY DAY, making the client a cuck to the US!

The F-35 is a bomber for BVR and SEAD operations, not fighter or air superiority roles. BVR is NOT about stealth alone but about BVR MISSILES, tracking, and target acquisition. Once the F-35 has fired... it's not stealthy anymore, and the Su-57 has plenty of BVR arsenal of its own and countermeasures. Not to mention, it is the only fighter jet in the world with dual L-band radars in the leading edge extensions and 360-degree radar coverage. The F-35 doesn't have that! Fun fact: no matter how stealthy a jet is, L-band can detect RAM coating from afar, and stealth is always dependent upon the relative angle of approach to radar waves. So not only is the F-35 potentially going to get detected first, but if the Su-57 managed to dodge, negate the first F-35 BVR (DIRCM, electronic countermeasures, etc.)... the Su-57 can fire its own, and the gap is closed, making the F-35 a sitting duck with no maneuverability or rearward radar/tracking/targeting coverage. Maneuverability and aerodynamic performance are NOT as obsolete as everyone thinks. If it were, then why bother with the Rafale or F-15EX?

And with rapid advancements in radar tech and stealth detection, "stealth" is NOT the cheat code it once used to be. The F-35 has NEVER faced a peer adversary or showcased its prowess against it.

User-friendly UI? Are you running a new flight simulator game or new Windows? Ever listened to seasoned Indian pilots about touch screens in control computers? They still prefer part-analog tactile controls, which are more intuitive and responsive 100% of the time.

Which FCS, DFCC, or other network systems does the F-15EX or Rafale possess that the Su-57 doesn't or hasn't already showcased?

Like I said... totally baseless sand castles and clueless mocking.

I don't intend to argue with an SU-57 fanboy. A jet which has not seen units go beyond 34 nos. A jet which failed to establish air superiority over the motley Ukraine Air Force. A jet which has no combat kills. The almost 4-decade-old MiG-31 has more combat kills to its name.

A jet more suited for performing acrobatics rather than an active combat role.

Other than the SS-18 ICBM, can you talk about any Russian weapon system which is superior to a Western weapon platform?

And if you say UI and AI are tools or technologies for developing games, then you must be a kid still suckling your thumbs. Grow up. Go through the FACS project or GCAP to understand AI and UI's role in networking related to defense.

And don't throw terminologies at me. I can say for sure I have a far better understanding of avionics than you do.

I have family members who were in the services. All three.

And I was an NCC Air Wing cadet. And I have a fair understanding of aeronautical engineering.

 

[P2S2]

Well if we are not choosing SU 57, then hope we are not bending down to USA to buy the F 35?? Is this the game?

Our organization has been an embarrassing let down. These white elephants have made this highly strategic work that's equivalent to patriotism into a very mundane 9-5 job that pays the bills and provides a pension. This is why India has never been able to come out of this import culture.

Govt employees seem to forget that they are receiving all these privileges for serving their nation and hence there needs to be an aptitude test, psychoanalysis, and thorough vetting of those who apply and are selected for jobs that shape the nation's present and future. Only then can we see a truly Atmanirbhar Bharat.

It has brought us this far safely successfully. Kirt hard efficient work. Education training but first planning and long before that thinking only then you see the item. It doesn't happen by chance someone thought of it someone designed it someone planned its production. F35 belongs to someone else SU57 belongs to someone else. We have what we have and will have what we think about and manage to procure from ourselves or from others. Someone will decide we will follow and efficiently get the job done with the resources we have. In the Vietnam war US GIs ditched their rifles for enemy AK47s because they bloody worked in the mud. The million peasants ordered into Korea by Mao had to pick up the rifles of their fallen comrades. Mao's son wanted to eat fried noodles so he stepped out and got killed if that didn't happen you would probably be facing his grandson now.

 

[GMR]

If this brilliant writer had a little common sense, he would realize that we are compromising our capabilities waiting for a platform whose designs are still getting changes, and considering our track record, God only knows when AMCA will be operational. For the interim period, the IAF will have to go for imports, whether SU57 or F35. The F35 will be a logistical and operational nightmare, plus huge operational and maintenance costs, plus strings held by the USA. The rest is in the hands of the IAF and MoD, and I sincerely wish that they have learned from past mistakes and the MRFA drama.

 

[Ratu]

This 5th gen, 6th gen, 9th gen tags have become a joke. Do we really need to have these in the name of " national defense ".. or another nice to have expensive toy on the shopping list ?
Talking of stringent requirements ... we are still operating 70 year design mig21 and also carry the infamous reputation of crashing over 200 aircraft ?.. speaks bad about the maintenance culture , which btw will be attending to these new expensive toys !

 

[P2S2]

I don't intend to argue with an SU-57 fanboy. A jet which has not seen units go beyond 34 nos. A jet which failed to establish air superiority over the motley Ukraine Air Force. A jet which has no combat kills. The almost 4-decade-old MiG-31 has more combat kills to its name.

A jet more suited for performing acrobatics rather than an active combat role.

Other than the SS-18 ICBM, can you talk about any Russian weapon system which is superior to a Western weapon platform?

And if you say UI and AI are tools or technologies for developing games, then you must be a kid still suckling your thumbs. Grow up. Go through the FACS project or GCAP to understand AI and UI's role in networking related to defense.

And don't throw terminologies at me. I can say for sure I have a far better understanding of avionics than you do.

I have family members who were in the services. All three.

And I was an NCC Air Wing cadet. And I have a fair understanding of aeronautical engineering.

Active energetic brains are required to bring about change and secure the future. To me other being able to bring proven indigenous engine building techniques into India Russian technology is outdated, probably surpassed by Chinese not discounting misinformation which is mandatory in the security industry. That's why it takes so long to check it out. Removing duds from defence is crucial.

 

[Karan Gogoi]

I don't intend to argue with an SU-57 fanboy. A jet which has not seen units go beyond 34 nos. A jet which failed to establish air superiority over the motley Ukraine Air Force. A jet which has no combat kills. The almost 4-decade-old MiG-31 has more combat kills to its name.

A jet more suited for performing acrobatics rather than an active combat role.

Other than the SS-18 ICBM, can you talk about any Russian weapon system which is superior to a Western weapon platform?

And if you say UI and AI are tools or technologies for developing games, then you must be a kid still suckling your thumbs. Grow up. Go through the FACS project or GCAP to understand AI and UI's role in networking related to defense.

And don't throw terminologies at me. I can say for sure I have a far better understanding of avionics than you do.

I have family members who were in the services. All three.

And I was an NCC Air Wing cadet. And I have a fair understanding of aeronautical engineering.

And yet here you are. Oh, the irony! ROFL.

Instead of deflecting, try sticking to the topic.

Russian aviation hasn't received the numbers because of budget, not because of lack of confidence or poor performance. BTW, the fresh batch was delivered Sec 2024. The number is unspecified, but open-source intel indicates around 35-40 service aircraft and 10 prototypes.

Correction bud, RF has air superiority but no air dominance. Might wanna check up on that and what's the difference between the two.

"Motley Ukr" eh? So all those Patriots, IRIS, and NASAMS are worthless... right? Oh, wait, most of them have been targeted and destroyed over the years to create critical supply shortages or almost extinct Ukr airforce and recent F16s dropping deep behind frontlines. Wonder how that happened? Oh, wait, yeah, I know: "pilot error." LOL.

Mig31... Sure, it does, kiddo. 4 decades of service would bring that. What does that prove exactly?

How many does F22/F35 against a peer adversary having been in service for 2+ decades? NONE!

Acrobatics - last time I checked, according to EVERYONE, aerodynamic performance is a critical component of a fighter jet design. But hey, that WhatsApp university must have taught you better than actual engineers and experts.

What other Russian platform? I'm pretty sure nearly every AD, EW, ATGM, MANPAD, hypersonics, etc., etc., etc. that's currently burning all the NATO Wunderwaffe in Ukraine right now is worthy of some attention. I guess all those shovels and washing machine chips really embarrassed the Western "game-changers." Didn't they?

I mean, there must be a reason Russian AD is considered the absolute best and sought after, even by NATO members... Isn't it?

"Developing games..." Did I say anything about AI? Mind pointing out that part of the comment? I'll wait. Also, wanna point me to the report that said Su57 doesn't come with its own onboard AI for aux piloting functions, weapons, and sensors? I'll wait.

"UI..." you even know what UI stands for, kiddo? You think UI is the key priority or sole deciding factor in FCS or DFCC integration or development?

"Understand avionics..." Oh yeah. Sure... Definitely looks like it! NO, trust me, bro! "I understand avionics better than you, so just stop talking and go away!!!" Right?

Just regurgitating buzzwords here... aren't you?

"Suckling thumbs..." Wow! Projecting much, kiddo? The guy who can't handle "Terminologies" in a fighter jet article comment section and deflects to hurling juvenile insults is talking about thumbs sucking! ROFL ever heard of Freud? LOL

"Don't wanna argue with Su57 fanboy"... but would still have a meltdown and regurgitate laughable cope that circulates NAFO echo chambers these days. Because "I'm a good little daddy west's boy." Am I right? ROFL

Or maybe when the actual context and facts were brought up, this was the only way left to deflect and evade. I'm sorry, little man, but who's asking for your family history? LMAO

 

[P2S2]

Think. Design. Plan
Show request for funds. I A F should be ready to evaluate provide management procurement of materials. Assistance with planning manpower training to ensure success and free up brains to come up with superior technology. Mundane issues should be handled by trained professionals because it is national asset building.

 

[P2S2]

This 5th gen, 6th gen, 9th gen tags have become a joke. Do we really need to have these in the name of " national defense ".. or another nice to have expensive toy on the shopping list ?
Talking of stringent requirements ... we are still operating 70 year design mig21 and also carry the infamous reputation of crashing over 200 aircraft ?.. speaks bad about the maintenance culture , which btw will be attending to these new expensive toys !

Yes, can someone address this ?

 

[Cromotro]

Russia, with a big fleet of fighters, is not able to gain control of Ukraine's air space due to air defence systems, as it is a contested sky. Likewise, if the IAF does not want overseas 5th generation stealth aircraft, then we need to strengthen air defence systems quickly, as well as add MALE UAVs with long range, as well as kamikaze drones in quantity, apart from going for 114 4++ aircraft quickly. It seems it's better buying 54/72 SU-57s if it is a 5th generation aircraft, as claimed by Russia, as F-35s will be very expensive to maintain and also will not be inducted before 31/32, as it has long pending orders and will come with strict riders, which means paying a lot but depending upon the USA to use those aircraft during war.

Not completely true that Russia didn't gain it. Russia did gain with little work but in ground battles Russia and Ukraine is losing a lot of men. Even Ukrainian Air Chief said Russia is dominating the skies and took down many F16s

 

[P2S2]

If this brilliant writer had a little common sense, he would realize that we are compromising our capabilities waiting for a platform whose designs are still getting changes, and considering our track record, God only knows when AMCA will be operational. For the interim period, the IAF will have to go for imports, whether SU57 or F35. The F35 will be a logistical and operational nightmare, plus huge operational and maintenance costs, plus strings held by the USA. The rest is in the hands of the IAF and MoD, and I sincerely wish that they have learned from past mistakes and the MRFA drama.

Ukraine was promised F16s and they waited for ages, pilots trained no planes planes promised approved delivered safely secured then limited use permitted. Now kicked out of Washington. They are fighting and WILL succeed in protecting their people. They aren't compromised their security has been THOUGHT about planned for. Resources prepared for. Isn't Indian security secured? Is it open to anyone to fly across unchallenged ? After being massacred by huge meat eating butchers, those who ran up into the mountains sat down and THOUGHT, the clergy created a festival for the ritual slaughter of animals and the sons ate it as part of authorised religious langar they were able to match the butchers, the butchers faced the prospect of losing their own lives. If you allow people to think, they will. If you start running you will start a stampede. A lot of bluffing and puffing is required for security.

 

[P2S2]

Not completely true that Russia didn't gain it. Russia did gain with little work but in ground battles Russia and Ukraine is losing a lot of men. Even Ukrainian Air Chief said Russia is dominating the skies and took down many F16s

They are both races from around the Azov sea. Lenin and Stalin decimated both their white populations, Napoleon and Hitler thrashed through their lands. Jews and Germanic peoples left. Asiatic people started becoming more, Putin tried increasing their numbers and ended up killing more. They never recovered from the death of their sons in the war and purges. White genes are disappearing and their only hope is migration. They badly need migrants who won't blow them up. It is better for them to send their brains to India and stop loosing them to the west. That would save both sides. Putin ordered the safety of the leaders of the cruel nationalist Azov brigades by taking them to Moscow and then releasing them. Wagner is the Russian version they are the same ideology similar to Pak Indian soldiers comradeship in East Pakistan.

 

[Jishnu]

Wow, everything in your comment is baseless, fact-less propaganda narrative that the world sees being peddled in Western cope channels incessantly to downplay Russian equipment, even though more often than not it has proven its mettle in the real-world scenario.

Yes, the nation that has been building fighter jets and engines for the longest time in history (other than the US) and is one of the only nations that has the longest history of rivaling US+allies in the aeronautics engineering field... doesn't know how to build and deliver "genuine" fighter jets! How astute and enlightening. Even the most staunch Su-57 critics don't disregard its frontal stealth or potential combat prowess.

The F-35 is a potent platform. - Is that the reason why it falls out of the sky every Tuesday in peacetime? ROFL. Let alone the abysmal combat readiness, hair-pulling amount of service and maintenance cost + time, astronomical lifetime cost + additional systems cost because its "cutting edge" tech doesn't integrate or network with anything else which is NOT American! And I haven't even brought up the mind-numbing passcode checks that are required EVERY DAY, making the client a cuck to the US!

The F-35 is a bomber for BVR and SEAD operations, not fighter or air superiority roles. BVR is NOT about stealth alone but about BVR MISSILES, tracking, and target acquisition. Once the F-35 has fired... it's not stealthy anymore, and the Su-57 has plenty of BVR arsenal of its own and countermeasures. Not to mention, it is the only fighter jet in the world with dual L-band radars in the leading edge extensions and 360-degree radar coverage. The F-35 doesn't have that! Fun fact: no matter how stealthy a jet is, L-band can detect RAM coating from afar, and stealth is always dependent upon the relative angle of approach to radar waves. So not only is the F-35 potentially going to get detected first, but if the Su-57 managed to dodge, negate the first F-35 BVR (DIRCM, electronic countermeasures, etc.)... the Su-57 can fire its own, and the gap is closed, making the F-35 a sitting duck with no maneuverability or rearward radar/tracking/targeting coverage. Maneuverability and aerodynamic performance are NOT as obsolete as everyone thinks. If it were, then why bother with the Rafale or F-15EX?

And with rapid advancements in radar tech and stealth detection, "stealth" is NOT the cheat code it once used to be. The F-35 has NEVER faced a peer adversary or showcased its prowess against it.

User-friendly UI? Are you running a new flight simulator game or new Windows? Ever listened to seasoned Indian pilots about touch screens in control computers? They still prefer part-analog tactile controls, which are more intuitive and responsive 100% of the time.

Which FCS, DFCC, or other network systems does the F-15EX or Rafale possess that the Su-57 doesn't or hasn't already showcased?

Like I said... totally baseless sand castles and clueless mocking.

Yes, But the Su-57 lacks Stealth only in 2, but Very Critical things - the Radar (which can be replaced using Virupaksha, having a lower RCS), and the Afterburner (the current AL-41 Afterburner is Circular, making it a Key Weak point, like Duryodhan's Thies, as a Circular point of a fighter jet can be detected easily by a radar, which has been overcome by using Hexagonal Afterburners similar to the F-22 Raptor, in the New Izdeliye-30 aka AL-51 engines).

 

[hitler]

To compare a non existent plane with one of the best in dis world is juz idiocity

 

[BhVSRao]

We all will like our AMCA to be a success and it's 110kn engine idigenised.
But it takes 10 to15 years.
There is a immediate need to go for stealth fighter jets that is in offer.F53 of USA and Su57 or Su75 of Russia with India specific improvements.

Very rightly said. We need to consider buying a new fighter. One choice can be Su 57 as it appears from media reports that they are willing to give ToT and stated that the existing facilities at HAL can be upgraded to manufacture Su 57.

 

[Surfer]

To date, we have produced only 40 Tejas.
Our fighter plane strength is at an all-time low.
But we have to wait until 2035 for the 1st AMCA.

Yes, if we waste $10 bln to procure only 36 jets and $7.5 bln to procure only 26 jets, where do we get money for other purchases?