At the Aero India 2025 exposition, Russia has presented India with a detailed proposal for the domestic production of the Su-57E, the export version of Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter.
This offer, communicated by Russia's state defence export agency, Rosoboronexport, and the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), features a complete Transfer of Technology (ToT). This would grant India the capability to tailor the aircraft with domestically produced systems and subsystems.
A senior official highlighted during discussions that this proposal positions the Su-57E as a possible key element in India's defence modernization efforts. It also aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative by facilitating local manufacturing and fostering technological partnerships.
The Russian proposal includes the potential for local manufacturing of the Su-57E in India, possibly at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Nashik, which previously handled production of the Su-30MKI.
This offer coincides with India's ongoing development of its own indigenous fifth-generation fighter, the AMCA. The AMCA is currently in the design phase, with production not anticipated until 2034-35. The Su-57E is being presented as a viable interim solution to address India's immediate fighter capability needs, while also potentially contributing technological advancements that could benefit the AMCA program.
A crucial element of the Russian offer is the comprehensive ToT, empowering India to adapt the Su-57E to its specific operational needs. Official stressed that the ToT would allow India to incorporate indigenous systems and subsystems, mirroring the approach adopted for the AMCA. This level of adaptability represents a considerable shift from conventional defence agreements, where foreign vendors frequently restrict modifications.
When questioned about India's ability to substitute Russian systems with domestically developed alternatives, the official confirmed Russia's willingness to accommodate further customization, although the precise scope of such alterations would necessitate in-depth negotiations.
"The ToT offer will enable India to customize the aircraft, potentially incorporating Indian-made systems and sub-components," the official stated. "Further discussions will be required to determine the specific modifications India desires, but Russia is receptive to such changes."
This openness to customization is a deliberate strategic approach by Russia to allay India's concerns regarding technological dependence and to ensure the Su-57E aligns with India's objectives of achieving self-reliance.
Likely areas for Indian customization could encompass avionics, electronic warfare systems, and weaponry. This would allow leveraging systems already in development for the AMCA, such as indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, mission computers, and precision-guided munitions. Integrating these indigenous technologies not only enhances the Su-57E's capabilities but also contributes significantly to the growth of India's domestic defence industry.
The engine powering the Su-57E is a vital component of the proposal, directly influencing the aircraft's performance, stealth characteristics, and operational effectiveness.
The official confirmed that the engine currently included in the offer is the AL-41F-1S (also referred to as Izdeliye 117S). This is a well-established afterburning turbofan engine that powers the initial production series of the Su-57. The AL-41F-1S provides a dry thrust of 9 tonnes and an afterburning thrust of 14.5 tonnes, enabling the aircraft to reach supersonic speeds and providing enhanced maneuverability.
Regarding the more advanced AL-51 (Izdeliye 30) engine, specifically designed for the Su-57 and offering improved performance, including supercruise capability (maintaining supersonic speed without using afterburners), the official indicated that this engine remains in the testing phase and has not yet entered mass production.
"The AL-51 may not be available immediately, but it could be offered at a later stage once its development is complete and it is ready for production," the official explained.
The AL-51, boasting a higher thrust rating (11 tonnes dry and 17.5 tonnes with afterburner) and improved stealth features, such as serrated exhaust nozzles to minimize infrared and radar signatures, constitutes a substantial improvement over the AL-41F-1S.
Its eventual integration into the Su-57E could significantly bolster the aircraft's attractiveness, bringing it closer to meeting India's long-term requirements for a cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter.
The development of the AL-51 engine is being closely watched by defence analysts, as it represents a key step in Russia's efforts to field a truly fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
