Russia's Su-57E Offer to India Now Includes 'Super-30' Configuration for Indigenous Weapons Integration and Seamless Maintenance

Russia has presented a renewed proposal to India for its Su-57E fifth-generation fighter aircraft, enhancing the offer with a plan for deep technological integration with Indian-made systems.

According to sources within Rostec, Russia's state-owned defence corporation, the new bid suggests equipping the stealth fighter with core components being developed for India’s own Sukhoi-30MKI fleet upgrade, known as the 'Super-30' program.

This strategic move aims to create a seamless operational environment between the existing Su-30MKI fleet and the new Su-57E. The proposal includes incorporating a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a mission computer both developed in India.

By using these common systems, the Indian Air Force (IAF) could equip the Su-57E with its own indigenous weapons, such as the Astra air-to-air missile and various air-to-surface munitions. This alignment strongly supports India's national objective of self-reliance in the defence sector.

A Rostec official highlighted that this approach would allow the Su-57E to serve as an effective platform for validating and operationalizing the advanced systems India is developing for its Super-30 jets.

This process could provide the IAF with a ready-made fifth-generation capability while simultaneously maturing its homegrown defence technologies.

Production Plan and Addressing IAF Needs​

To facilitate local manufacturing, Rostec has proposed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) facility in Nashik as the production hub for the Su-57E in India.

The Nashik plant has extensive experience, having license-produced over 220 Su-30MKI jets, and already possesses much of the required infrastructure. This makes it a cost-effective and logical choice for establishing a production line.

However, the complete localization of the fighter, including the integration of Indian subsystems, is estimated to require a period of three to four years. To address the IAF's immediate operational requirements during this transition, Russia has offered to supply an initial batch of 20 to 30 Su-57E jets directly.

This phased approach would allow the IAF to induct a fifth-generation fighter quickly to counter a decline in its squadron strength, while simultaneously building up the domestic ecosystem for future production under the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative.

Bridging a Critical Capability Gap​

The offer comes at a critical time for the IAF, which is grappling with the retirement of its aging MiG-21 squadrons and delays in the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

The AMCA, India’s own fifth-generation fighter project, is not expected to enter production until 2034-35, with its first flight scheduled for 2029.

This timeline leaves a significant capability gap, particularly as regional rivals advance their air power. China already operates its J-20 stealth fighter, and Pakistan is reportedly on track to induct the J-31 by 2029.

The Su-57E is being positioned as a formidable interim solution. While its stealth characteristics are widely considered to be less advanced than those of the American F-35, the aircraft is noted for its exceptional supermaneuverability, large payload capacity, and the potential to carry future hypersonic weapons.

Potential Challenges and Considerations​

Despite the attractive proposal, India's decision will involve weighing several challenges. The timeline for full technology transfer and localization remains a key factor.

Furthermore, concerns persist regarding the final version of the Su-57's advanced 'Izdeliye 30' engine, which is still in development.

Additionally, any major defence deal with Russia raises the possibility of geopolitical friction, including potential sanctions under the U.S. Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Past experiences with the Su-30MKI program, though largely successful, have also highlighted recurring issues with the availability of spare parts and maintenance support, which would need to be definitively addressed in any new agreement.

 

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[punit shukla]

Su-57 makes sense, especially in view of the number of squadrons and better technology transfer in comparison to the F-35.

 

[मित्र]

Earlier, I was not in favour of more foreign fighter jets, but after recent revelations, we should collaborate on S-500, produce Su-57E (maybe with Virupaksha radar), and work faster on 800km BrahMos and BrahMos 2.

 

[Python]

Russia is offering a good deal but it's more important to develop AMCA. Even if Pakistan buys J-35, they will not have an overall upper hand against India so it's better to develop AMCA. We should buy one or two squadrons of Su-57E only if they offer assistance in developing an engine for AMCA and if a fifth-gen fighter is urgently needed. It depends on the situation; the officials know much more than any of us.

 

[Nahian Ramim]

Considering AMCA will enter service not before 2038, 48-64 can be an interim solution, and this is actually a great offer. Maybe a replacement with that GaN radar, or with a Super 30 radar, then it will be a better deal. Though Su-57E probably will use Izdeliye 117S, not a bad engine, but compared to Su-57M that is a downgrade. F-35 is unrealistic for India and Rafale isn't going to cut it against Chinese aircraft, considering India can't even integrate those with their other fighters. Regarding AWACS (about the shot down, it's pretty sure one is confirmed gone, but again no confirmation so I am not going to put it into the equation).

 

[Bharatsevak]

While the offer looks good, yet it is important for India to have a close look at the engines.
In any case with Tejas 2, AMCA round the corner, I wonder how many numbers we would need. Maybe 4 squadrons at the most. I presume they will be procured under MRCA 2.0.

 

[Sammy]

Su

Su-57 has no stealth. That's why IAF rejected it in 2018 after wasting 300 million $ in the project.

Are people really this dumb? Why is Su-57 even in discussions? I don't understand.

७५

 

[Thyhandsonus Lyngdoh]

Considering AMCA will enter service not before 2038, 48-64 can be an interim solution, and this is actually a great offer. Maybe a replacement with that GaN radar, or with a Super 30 radar, then it will be a better deal. Though Su-57E probably will use Izdeliye 117S, not a bad engine, but compared to Su-57M that is a downgrade. F-35 is unrealistic for India and Rafale isn't going to cut it against Chinese aircraft, considering India can't even integrate those with their other fighters. Regarding AWACS (about the shot down, it's pretty sure one is confirmed gone, but again no confirmation so I am not going to put it into the equation).

You’re confusing isolated facts with a functional understanding of airpower. Yes, India has a mixed fleet and struggles with full-spectrum integration — that’s not breaking news. But to act like that automatically renders advanced platforms like the Rafale useless is just lazy analysis. The Rafale isn’t some standalone ‘chase piece.’ It’s a 4.5-gen multirole aircraft with one of the most sophisticated ECM suites (SPECTRA), a top-tier AESA radar, and access to Meteor BVR missiles — which, let’s be honest, outclass anything the J-20 can currently fire. The real issue isn’t the jet — it’s the doctrine and systems they’re tied into.

You talk about F-35 radar awareness like India operates F-35s — which it doesn’t. So claiming ‘your F-35 radar awareness’ is nonsense. And comparing a fully integrated, stealth-based Western fighter ecosystem to a theoretical matchup between J-20s and AEWACs in the Chinese system is apples to oranges. The J-20 is still unproven in combat, flies with underpowered engines (some even Russian-built), and relies heavily on support assets because its stealth and sensor fusion are not on par with the F-35. Without AEWACs, the J-20 is not some unbeatable ghost in the sky — it’s a half-cooked 5th-gen attempt still leaning on legacy tech to stay relevant.

And let’s not pretend like China’s systems are flawlessly integrated either. Their tech is improving fast, sure, but most of it is reverse-engineered or adapted, and they still have gaps in true joint force C4ISR cohesion. India’s doctrine is evolving slower, but it’s not frozen in time either. Upgrades to the Su-30MKIs, incoming indigenous AWACS programs, and a push toward indigenous datalink systems are part of that shift — delayed, not denied.

You say even the old Su-30s are more useful? That’s just nonsense. The Su-30MKI is versatile, yes — it has range, payload, maneuverability — but its BVR performance and EW capability are aging without upgrades. Rafales were brought in specifically to address that shortfall in high-threat environments. You don’t spend billions on a jet like Rafale for it to be a 'showpiece.'

Bottom line: India's problem isn’t platform quality. It’s seamless data integration, network-centric warfare doctrine, and inter-operability — which, by the way, isn’t unique to India. Most non-NATO countries face the same challenge. So let’s not pretend China’s figured it all out while ignoring its own massive dependency on support systems and censorship around actual performance data.

You want to critique India’s integration issues? Fair. But don’t dress it up as proof that the platforms themselves are useless. And definitely don’t pretend that Chinese airpower is some flawless machine when it’s still propped up by propaganda and an army of keyboard warriors.

 

[Ayush Rastogi]

IAF and MOD have less options to get hands on close to Fifth Generation Aircraft. Su57 Fits very perfectly. Su30MKI+Super Sukhois+Su57E are the best combo for logistic options+Operational readiness. Russia's help is needed for full dev of Kaveri engine. Without Kaveri , no future variants of Tejas/AMCA will be fully operational by India.Remember GE delayed in F404 engine supply, .MFRA has been going since 2017 and can be made scrapped and directed for SU57 only(2-4 Squadrons).Su57 local development can be given to private players to speed the process. HAL has already too much projects in hand(AMCA+Tejas variants)

France/Dassault Avaiation may not help much in Kaveri Engine, they may provide fully functional Safran engine . Integrating AMCA with Indeginious weapons like Astra MKIA, Bharamos, AESA radar may be challenge.Kaveri may get totally scrapped. They are not ready to provide source code for Rafales , Each country has its own laws.

Tinelines for min AMCA( No other political/military struggle):1.5-2 years( protype creation+4-5 Years( Full Testing+Engine Development, Integration of Kaveri Engine with AMCA prototype)+2-3 Years(Contract Sign+First Fully Loaded AMCA comes to IAF). HAL, ADA has been making Tejas Since 2001.Tejas MK2A,TEDBF also has to be developed.

3) IAF/MOD will have to buy Combo of F18 Super Hornets, F16, Other military equipment before getting F35 variants. F35 Integrations will start from Scratch and USAF will have kill switch in F35.USAF will have pin point accuracy/infor regarding F35 when deployed in IAF/India.If Gov Changes in USA again, more challenges in Military equipment to India deliveries and maintenance.

 

[Senapati]

Super sukhoi Su30 and Su57 that will be made in India should have maximum commonality in engine mechanical system avionics and wepons.
Super Su 30 need to have a new engine and OBOGS oxygen alongwith avionics cockpit displays Helmet mounted display radar optronics and indigenious wepons.

 

[Takumi]

Su-57 has no stealth. That's why IAF rejected it in 2018 after wasting 300 million $ in the project.

Are people really this dumb? Why is Su-57 even in discussions? I don't understand.

False, it has way better stealth than any 4th gen fighter on the planet not to mention it's comparable to American 5th gen, Americans are literally using the technology and methods russia used to find rcs on their own jets, russia just didn't let stealth ruin all its performance.