Russia to Provide India with Fifth-Generation Su-57 Fighter Jets
Russia has agreed to supply India with fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jets along with full, unconditional technology transfer. The Su-57 is considered a competitor to the American F-35. Russia has also assured support for the production of the Su-57 in India, further strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.
To meet India’s future defence requirements, Russia has expressed its readiness to deliver Su-57 fighters and transfer all related technologies. According to Russian officials, any technical requirement raised by India is fully acceptable.
The Su-57 is viewed as Russia’s answer to the American F-35, which is also a fifth-generation stealth aircraft. The assurance comes shortly after India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. President Putin is expected to visit India next month.
Speaking to news agency ANI on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov stated that India and Russia have been trusted defence partners for many years. Even during periods of international sanctions on India, Russia continued to ensure the delivery of essential military equipment.
A senior representative from Rosoboronexport confirmed that there will be no restrictions on Su-57 technology. This includes engines, optics, AESA radar, stealth systems, AI, low-signature technologies, and modern weapon systems. Russia has also offered joint planning for a two-seater Su-57 variant that could be manufactured entirely in India without any foreign restrictions.
Significance of Su-57 Technology for India
Access to Su-57 technology means India can eventually develop its own customised Su-57 variant. Technology transfer in high-end defence platforms, especially fighter jets, is extremely rare because such technologies are highly confidential and strategically important. Fighter jets represent not just military capability, but also a nation’s engineering strength and strategic advantage.
Russia Did Not Provide Su-57 Technology to China
Despite China being a major defence partner, Russia has not shared Su-57 technology with it. China previously received only Su-35 aircraft, and even then the engine technology was not transferred. The United States also does not transfer fighter jet technologies to any nation, often leaving buyer nations dependent on the supplier for maintenance, upgrades, and spare parts.
India’s Past Challenges Due to Lack of Technology Transfer
In the 1990s, India purchased Mirage-2000 fighters from France, but no technology for the engine, radar, or avionics was transferred. Three decades later, as the systems became outdated, India had to spend thousands of crores on upgrades.
India Developing Its Own Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet
India is already working on its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet. The prototype is expected to be ready within the next two to three years. In 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved ₹15,000 crore for design and development. The Indian fighter will feature advanced stealth technology and aims to match or surpass existing fifth-generation aircraft globally.