In a significant move that reinforces their long-standing strategic partnership, Russia has declared its full readiness to support India's future combat aircraft requirements. The offer includes an unrestricted transfer of technology for the advanced Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, with Russian officials stating that all technical demands from the Indian side are completely acceptable.
A Partnership Forged in Trust
Speaking at the Dubai Air Show 2025, Sergey Chemezov, the head of Russian defence giant Rostec, underscored the depth of the bilateral relationship. "India and Russia have been partners for many years," Chemezov stated. "Even when India was under sanctions, we supplied the country with weapons to ensure its security. Today, we continue the same approach as in previous years, supplying India with whatever military equipment it needs and ensuring our mutual interests in developing cooperation." This sentiment highlights a reliable and transparent partnership that has endured for over six decades.
Unprecedented Scope of the Offer
The proposal, detailed by officials from Rosoboronexport and Rostec subsidiary United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), is remarkably comprehensive. Vadim Badekha, Director General of UAC, confirmed that all technical demands from India regarding the Su-57 have been positively received and that close contact with Indian officials is ongoing.
The offer encompasses a multi-faceted collaboration:
- Initial production of the Su-57 aircraft in Russia, followed by a gradual transfer of production to India.
- Full licensing for the integration of advanced air weapons.
- Extensive technology transfer covering critical systems like engines, optics, AESA radar, and artificial intelligence elements.
- Sharing of low-signature stealth technologies and modern air weapons.
- Joint development of a two-seat variant of the Su-57.
This structure is designed to empower India, allowing it to manufacture critical components domestically without the fear of international sanctions, while also securing a pathway for long-term upgrades through software and systems improvements.
Strategic Timing and Broader Dialogue
This major defence announcement comes just ahead of a scheduled visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to India next month. The groundwork for this visit has been actively laid through high-level engagements. Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with President Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Furthermore, on November 18, Putin's aide Nikolai Patrushev called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss cooperation in areas including maritime security, shipbuilding, and connectivity.
This comprehensive offer for the Su-57 fighter jet marks a new chapter in the India-Russia defence corridor, potentially equipping the Indian Air Force with a formidable, domestically produced fifth-generation stealth platform.
