Russia and India are engaged in advanced technical discussions on the potential joint production of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57E fighter aircraft in India, according to a senior Russian aerospace official. If finalised, the proposal could significantly influence India’s long-term combat aviation plans.
Vadim Badekha, Chief Executive Officer of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), told reporters that negotiations have progressed to a mature technical phase. Speaking to Russia’s state news agency TASS, Badekha said such agreements typically shape bilateral defence cooperation for decades, highlighting the strategic importance of the discussions.
According to Badekha, talks are focused on licensed production of the Su-57 fighter in India, with manufacturing potentially taking place at facilities currently used for producing the Su-30MKI aircraft. He noted that the complexity of the project requires detailed technical evaluation and extensive consultations, which are now at an advanced stage. The Indian government has not yet publicly commented on the claim.
The remarks follow earlier statements by Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev, who said Russia is offering India a comprehensive package that includes supply of Su-57E jets, local manufacturing, and technical support for India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. If pursued, the proposal would reinforce Russia’s role in India’s next-generation fighter development efforts.
The Su-57 is Russia’s flagship stealth fighter, designed for multi-role operations against air, ground, and maritime targets. The aircraft is built for all-weather, round-the-clock missions and is equipped to operate in heavily contested electronic warfare environments, with low-observability features aimed at reducing exposure to advanced air defence systems.
