Russia is studying the possibility of building its advanced Su-57 fighter jets in India with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and other local plants as partners.
The plan includes full technology transfer and local manufacturing, which would strengthen India’s defence industry and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Likely Hub for Su-57 Manufacturing
Russia is exploring the possibility of producing its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets in India. For this, it is studying the required investments and considering Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and other Indian defence plants as potential partners.
This move comes as India and Russia look to strengthen their defence ties, especially at a time when tensions with the United States are growing.
Russia’s state arms exporter, ROSOBORONEXPORT, has offered India a full transfer of technology and local production of the Su-57.
According to Moscow, manufacturing the jets in India would protect both production and maintenance from disruptions caused by Western sanctions.
India has indicated a need for at least two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighters. Currently, the main options are Russia’s Su-57 and America’s F-35.
HAL, which already builds Su-30MKI fighters under license at its Nashik facility, is seen as the most likely production hub for the Su-57.
The existing Su-30 assembly lines could be upgraded for this purpose. Other Indian defence facilities that work on Russian equipment could also be involved, helping to cut costs and boost local manufacturing.
The talks also cover key issues such as how much investment will be required, the price negotiations, the level of technology transfer, India’s industrial capacity, and long-term defence goals.
Producing the Su-57 locally would bring several benefits: lower maintenance costs, secure supply chains, and stronger domestic defence production.
It would also shape India’s defence procurement choices and international partnerships in the coming years.
At the same time, India is moving ahead with its own indigenous fifth-generation project, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The AMCA’s first flight is expected around 2028, with induction planned by 2035.
India had earlier partnered with Russia on a fifth-generation fighter project but withdrew nearly a decade ago because of concerns over high costs, limited technology transfer, and performance.
However, changing global geopolitics and India’s close ties with Russia have kept the door open for cooperation on the Su-57.
Ultimately, India’s decision will depend on several practical factors: required investment, cost of the jets, how much technology Russia is willing to share, production timelines, and India’s larger defence and industrial policies.
This development presents India with a major opportunity. By combining foreign collaboration with indigenous efforts, India could strengthen its air force with advanced fifth-generation fighters while also expanding its domestic defence manufacturing base.
In short, Russia is weighing the feasibility of “Make in India” production of the Su-57 with full technology transfer.
India, meanwhile, is balancing this option alongside its AMCA program and potential U.S. offers, aiming to build a stronger and more self-reliant air combat capability.
