Russia Offers Su-57E to India: A “Golden Deal” to Close Stealth Fighter Gap with China

Russia is showcasing the Su-57E and Su-75 Checkmate at Aero India 2025, offering India joint production and technology transfer deals. While India previously withdrew from the FGFA program, growing regional stealth threats from China and Pakistan may prompt reconsideration. However, India remains focused on its indigenous AMCA project, making future acquisitions uncertain.

CONTENTS:

• Russia Offers Su-57E to India: A “Golden Deal” to Close Stealth Fighter Gap with China
• Russia Proposes Joint Production of Su-57 Fighter Jets in India, Offers Support for Indigenous Fifth-Gen Combat Aircraft
• Russia to Showcase Su-75 Checkmate at Aero India 2025

Russia Offers Su-57E to India: A “Golden Deal” to Close Stealth Fighter Gap with China

Russia Offers Su-57E to India A prototype of Russia’s Su-57E stealth fighter touched down at Yelahanka Air Base in Bengaluru on February 6 to participate in Aero India 2025. This marks the second international appearance of the export variant after its debut at China’s Zhuhai Airshow in November 2024.

At the event, Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, revealed that initial contracts had been signed with undisclosed buyers for the Su-57E.

Russia’s Renewed Su-57E Pitch to India

Russia Offers Su-57E to India Test Pilot and Hero of Russia Sergey Bogdan will fly the Su-57E during demonstration flights at the event. Visitors can also experience the aircraft through an interactive VR-based simulator.

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) CEO Vadim Badekha highlighted India’s long-standing partnership with Russia, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to future collaboration. Meanwhile, Rosoboronexport’s Director General Alexander Mikheev proposed various cooperation models, including direct aircraft sales, joint production in India, and support for developing an indigenous fifth-generation fighter.

India’s Past Involvement in the FGFA Program

Russia Offers Su-57E to India India and Russia previously agreed in 2007 to jointly develop a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) based on Russia’s Su-57 prototype (then called the T-50). However, progress stalled due to disagreements over cost, technology transfer, and the aircraft’s stealth and supercruise capabilities.

By 2018, India formally paused its involvement, citing concerns over stealth effectiveness and engine performance but left the door open for potential future acquisitions.

Key Upgrades in the Su-57E

Since India’s withdrawal, Russia has made significant improvements to the Su-57, including:

• New AL-51 Stage-2 Engines: Enabling supercruise at speeds up to Mach 1.6, with improved thrust over the AL-41F1 engine.
• Enhanced Stealth Features: A redesigned exhaust nozzle reduces infrared and radar signatures.
• Twin-Seat Variant Development: Supports pilot training and UCAV (unmanned combat aerial vehicle) operations.

Additionally, the Su-57 has undergone real-world operational testing in Syria and Ukraine and now carries a range of internally stored weaponry.

India’s Renewed Interest?

Russia Offers Su-57E to India Reports suggest India may be reconsidering the Su-57E, especially as China and Pakistan bolster their stealth fighter fleets with the J-20 and J-31.

With China expected to field around 300 J-20s by 2030 and Pakistan looking to acquire 30 J-31s, the Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a potential stealth fighter gap. Unlike other regional powers, India has yet to express interest in acquiring the U.S. F-35.

A potential return to the Su-57E program, whether through direct acquisition or a renewed FGFA partnership, could help India counterbalance growing stealth threats in the region.

Russia Proposes Joint Production of Su-57 Fighter Jets in India, Offers Support for Indigenous Fifth-Gen Combat Aircraft

Russia Offers Su-57E to India Russia has proposed a comprehensive partnership with India for the joint production of Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, alongside the supply of fully assembled aircraft and assistance in developing India’s own advanced combat aircraft, according to Sputnik India.

Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, emphasized the strategic nature of the offer, which includes technology transfer and local manufacturing capabilities.

“Our proposals encompass the supply of assembled aircraft, joint production in India, and assistance in the development of an Indian fifth-generation fighter,” Mikheev stated.

This proposal is part of Russia’s broader push to expand Su-57 exports, with state defense corporation Rostec highlighting rising global interest in the aircraft.

The Su-57 will be showcased at Aero India 2025, set to take place from February 10-14 at Bengaluru’s Yelahanka Air Force Base.

“The Su-57 is a state-of-the-art fifth-generation fighter. We anticipate significant interest at the Bengaluru airshow. While improving the aircraft and exploring new markets, UAC (United Aircraft Corporation) is also expanding production capacity to meet increasing demand,” Rostec noted.

Rostec further emphasized that the Su-57 remains the only fifth-generation fighter that has demonstrated its effectiveness in real combat against Western air defense systems.

Russia to Showcase Su-75 Checkmate at Aero India 2025

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will present its Su-75 Checkmate fighter jet project at Aero India 2025, set to begin on February 10. This marks the aircraft’s debut at the exhibition, signifying Russia’s growing efforts to attract international buyers.

While India has not officially expressed interest in acquiring the Su-75, Russian and Indian analysts suggest it could be a potential option for the Indian Air Force. Russia is offering incentives such as technology transfer and local production under the “Make in India” initiative. The aircraft is positioned as an affordable alternative to counter regional threats from China and Pakistan.

However, India has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to developing its own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and has previously declined offers for foreign fifth-generation fighters, including the U.S. F-35.

Su-75 Checkmate: Features and Capabilities

Russia Offers Su-57E to India The Su-75 is a single-engine, fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. First unveiled at MAKS-2021, it is aimed primarily at export markets as a cost-effective alternative to Western fighters.

Key anticipated features of the Su-75 include:

• Stealth Design: Low radar signature with internal weapon bays and radar-absorbing materials.
• Advanced Engine: Potentially powered by the “Izdeliye 30,” the same next-gen engine intended for the Su-57, offering enhanced thrust and efficiency.
• Modern Avionics: A glass cockpit with large multifunction displays and AI-assisted pilot support.
• Electronic Warfare & Sensors: Expected to feature an AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, and possibly electro-optical sensors for passive detection.
• Weapon Systems: Equipped with air-to-air missiles like the R-77M and R-74, as well as precision-guided air-to-ground munitions.
• Affordability: Designed to be a lower-cost alternative to aircraft like the F-35, appealing to countries with tighter defense budgets.

Challenges & Production Timeline

Russia Offers Su-57E to India The Su-75 program faces hurdles, including Western sanctions affecting component availability and potential delays in engine and avionics development. While prototype production is expected to begin soon, its first flight—initially planned for 2023—has yet to be confirmed. Some analysts predict serial production could start in the late 2020s, though geopolitical and economic factors may influence the timeline.

Russia continues to seek international partners for the Su-75 program, with India, the UAE, and Latin American nations considered potential buyers. However, its success will depend on overcoming technical challenges and securing firm commitments from foreign defense markets.