Russia Offers India Joint Production of Su-57 Stealth Fighter India and Russia had initiated a joint program in 2007 to co-develop a fifth-generation fighter, but a decade later, in 2018, New Delhi withdrew from the project due to concerns over issues such as costs, technology access, and the aircraft’s stealth capabilities. Russia went on to develop the Su-57 independently. Russian President Vladimir Putin has now offered India joint production of the advanced stealth fighter, stating Moscow is willing to cooperate without “limitations.” During a media interaction in St. Petersburg, Putin emphasized that Russia is ready to supply India with the Su-57, continue its development, and integrate it with Indian systems. The renewed Russian offer comes at a critical juncture for India’s airpower modernization. India currently lacks a fifth-generation fighter, with the most advanced aircraft in its air force being the French Rafale, which is not a stealth platform. This creates a significant capability gap compared to China, which is rapidly expanding its stealth fighter fleet. Reports indicate Pakistan is also planning to acquire stealth jets from China, further intensifying India’s strategic considerations. India is accelerating a domestic program to develop an advanced fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft, but operational deployment is projected to be at least a decade away. Indian officials have not yet publicly responded to the Russian offer, though D.K. Sunil, former chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, mentioned that Russia had presented the Su-57’s capabilities to India. He noted that the country is awaiting a Russian quotation on investment terms before approaching the air force. The Su-57 was showcased at the Aero India exhibition in Bengaluru last year.#india #russia #putin #su_57 #aero_india
