Key Points and Summary – India is seriously considering a Russian offer to domestically produce the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to modernize its air force and boost its “Make in India” initiative.
-The U.S. F-35 is a vastly superior stealth aircraft, a deal is unfeasible due to Washington’s refusal to offer the technology transfer and local production rights that New Delhi demands.
Su-57 Felon Fighter Stealth. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
-Despite past concerns over the Su-57’s quality, Russia’s willingness to share technology may prove decisive, as India prioritizes building its own long-term industrial capability over acquiring the best off-the-shelf platform.
Would India Build Su-57s Domestically? Is It Feasible?
India is considering domestic construction of the Russian Su-57 fighter jet. At least, that’s what it seems like, pulling all sources of information we are reading these days. While nothing is final, there is clearly movement in this direction.
A co-production agreement with Russia would boost New Delhi’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives to develop technological independence and modernize its air force.
Russia is conducting internal assessments on the investment required for local production, which could make use of the existing infrastructure of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The deal hinges on factors such as technology transfers, cost, and customization options, as well as strategic considerations related to regional rivals including China and Pakistan.
India is still smarting from losses it incurred during a brief but costly air war with Pakistan.
The Indian Air Force needs to upgrade its fighter fleet. Russian military-industrial conglomerate Rostec’s United Aircraft Corporation has sought a deal with New Delhi for years. The sticking point has been technology transfers that would allow India not only to produce the Su-57, but to use its technology in future domestic designs.
India Needs a Fifth-Generation Fighter:
According to India’s ANI news agency, sources said New Delhi currently requires at least two to three squadrons of fifth-generation aircraft – about 40 to 60 airframes.
The Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 are under consideration as the main candidates for India’s next fighter procurement, but the Lightning II seems to be an unlikely choice at this point.
During a February meeting at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and suggested the U.S. could sell F-35s to India. However, India has signaled its intent to move closer to Moscow, especially after the United States slapped a 25 percent tariff on New Delhi – purportedly for purchasing Russian oil, which helps finance Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
U.S. Air Force Major Kristin “BEO” Wolfe, F-35A Lightning ll Demonstration Team pilot and commander, flies during sunset over Mathers Airport, Calif., Sept. 24th, 2021, at the California Capital Airshow. The team consists of approximately 15 total Airmen to include the pilot and commander, pilot safety officers, superintendent, team chief, maintenance Airmen, aircrew flight equipment specialists, and public affairs personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley)
A move to purchase Russian Su-57s could trigger new sanctions. But in any case, would Congress agree to sell India F-35s, considering how close New Delhi already is to Moscow? India already manufactures a licensed variant of the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.
Rostec is studying the plant where the Su-30MKI is manufactured to see if it could be repurposed to manufacture the Su-57.
India, which is known to move slowly on defense topics, can’t afford to drag its feet now. Pakistan announced it was planning to acquire 40 J-35A stealth fighter jets from China and induct them into its air force by 2026-27 (although it later retracted the announcement).
The F-35 “Is Like a Ninja” With Its Stealth
India must consider the enormous advantage that the F-35’s stealth would bring to its air force if the air wars with Pakistan reignite.
“The F-35 is like a ninja, nearly impossible to detect on radar. Its radar cross-section is just 0.0015 square meters — as tiny as a pigeon flying in the sky. The Su-57, while stealthy from the front, has detectable signatures from the sides and rear,” wrote aviation journalist Nikha P. Shekhar.
“The F-35 Lightning II represents the most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter available on the global market. It is designed with stealth, sensor fusion, and advanced avionics at its core, giving it a significant edge in modern air warfare.”
Shekhar continued, citing retired Indian Army Gen. MM Naravane: “Its ability to operate in contested airspace without being detected by radar is a major advantage against technologically advanced adversaries like China.”
India’s Production of Su-57 Is Not a New Idea
India and Russia attempted to partner in the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft program, but Moscow and New Delhi abandoned that project several years ago after disagreements over cost and technology transfers. India was also not impressed with the Su-57’s lack of stealth.
The current talks point to a renewed interest from India in fielding stealth aircraft to address long-term security challenges. The need is especially acute if China supplies Pakistan with Beijing’s latest stealth fighters.
If New Delhi works out a deal to purchase and manufacture the Su-57 in India, sanctions be damned, it would accomplish two of its primary goals. One would be to inject new life into modernizing its air force, which is a priority of the highest order.
The other would be that domestic production of the Su-57 could provide India with access to a next-generation capability that does not rely entirely on foreign supply chains.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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