In a significant development that could reshape India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) acquisition, a senior official from Russia’s Rostec defence conglomerate has claimed that the Su-57E stealth fighter could be procured by India at nearly half the total package cost of the French Rafale jets.
The claim, shared exclusively with sources, targets the ongoing competition for 114 fighter jets—a deal estimated to be worth over ₹2 lakh crore (approximately $24 billion).
While the official did not reveal the exact "flyaway" price per unit, the comparison focused on the total lifecycle and programme cost, positioning the Russian fifth-generation jet as a far more economical option than its French 4.5-generation rival.
The Cost Argument: Quantity and Capability
According to the details provided, the projected expenditure for 114 Rafale fighters involves not only the airframes but also a comprehensive package including weaponry, simulators, pilot training, and infrastructure development.The Rostec official asserted that for a similar financial outlay, the Indian Air Force (IAF) could acquire between 200 and 230 Su-57E fighters.
This proposal effectively argues that India could field a fleet nearly double the size of the Rafale order, comprised entirely of fifth-generation stealth aircraft, without exceeding the budget currently earmarked for the MRFA programme.
Source Code and Sovereignty
A critical aspect of the Russian pitch is the offer of full technology transfer (ToT), specifically access to the aircraft’s source code.This level of access is rarely granted in international defence deals and represents a major differentiator from Western offerings.
With access to the source code, the IAF and Indian defence researchers would have the autonomy to:
- Integrate Indigenous Weapons: Seamlessly certify and equip the aircraft with Indian-made systems such as the Astra air-to-air missiles and Rudram anti-radiation missiles.
- Upgrade Sensors: Modify radar algorithms and electronic warfare suites independently to counter emerging threats.
- Maintain Sovereignty: Ensure that mission-critical software capabilities are not reliant on foreign approvals for updates.
This restriction means India must rely on the French manufacturer for significant upgrades or the integration of non-standard weapons, potentially limiting operational flexibility in the long term.
Strategic Partnership vs. Buyer-Seller Relationship
The Rostec official emphasised that modern air combat requires rapid adaptability in electronic warfare and mission software.By offering control over these systems, Russia is positioning the Su-57E deal not just as a commercial transaction, but as a deeper industrial partnership.
This aligns with the "Make in India" initiative, potentially offering Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) a greater role in the future development of the platform compared to the assembly-focused offers from other contenders.
Impact on the MRFA Decision
This aggressive pitch comes at a time when the Indian defence establishment is weighing the immediate operational benefits of the Rafale—which is already in service with the IAF at Ambala and Hasimara—against long-term strategic needs.While the IAF has reportedly favoured the Rafale for logistical commonality, the massive cost difference and the promise of technological autonomy offered by the Su-57E are likely to reignite debates within the Ministry of Defence.
The choice now stands between a smaller, proven fleet of advanced 4.5-generation fighters with restrictive technology terms, or a larger, cost-effective fifth-generation force that grants India complete control over its aerial warfare capabilities.
