Potential Manufacturing of Su-57E Fighter Jet at HAL Plant Could Begin in 2025
Russia has proposed a strategic collaboration with India for the production of the Su-57E, its fifth-generation fighter jet, with the promise of full technology transfer. The offer was made at the ongoing Aero India 2025 airshow at IAF Yelahanka Airforce Station in Bengaluru.
Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-run defense export agency, in partnership with the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), expressed interest in localizing the fighter jet’s production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A representative from Rosoboronexport stated that production could commence as early as 2025, contingent upon India’s acceptance of the proposal.
“Rosoboronexport and UAC are keen to collaborate with India for the local manufacturing of the Su-57E fighter jet. This initiative could be realized within the year, with HAL playing a crucial role in the production process,” the representative announced on the second day of the airshow.
The Su-57E is an advanced stealth combat aircraft equipped with next-generation avionics, supersonic cruising capabilities, and artificial intelligence-assisted pilot support. The Russian delegation emphasized that the deal would provide India with access to critical fifth-generation technologies, including the latest engines, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, advanced optics, AI-driven combat systems, secure communication networks, and cutting-edge air weaponry.
One of the major advantages of this deal, as highlighted by Rosoboronexport, is its potential to enhance India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The AMCA, India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter project, could benefit significantly from the infusion of Russian technology, accelerating its development and strengthening India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
“This partnership ensures that India can develop and produce key technologies domestically, without concerns over supply chain disruptions due to international sanctions. This will safeguard the production and future upgrades of India’s fighter aircraft fleet,” the Russian representative added.
The offer includes a long-term collaboration for future enhancements of the Su-57E. Russia has expressed its willingness to support India in continuous advancements, drawing upon six decades of Indo-Russian defense cooperation.
India and Russia had previously signed an agreement in 2010 for joint design and development of a Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), with investments from both sides totalling $295 million. However, the project was shelved in 2018 due to concerns over technology transfer and cost-effectiveness. The current proposal marks a potential revival of that collaboration, albeit with a new framework emphasizing local manufacturing.
Sergey Bogdan, a Russian test pilot flying the Su-57E at the airshow, shared his excitement about the display. “It’s always a pleasure to showcase this aircraft’s capabilities. Aero India has brought together an incredible variety of aircraft, and I would love to return,” he remarked.
While India is yet to formally respond to the proposal, defense experts see this as a significant opportunity to bolster its air combat capabilities. If accepted, the collaboration could shape the future of India’s fighter fleet, ensuring strategic autonomy and technological advancements in aerial warfare. The deal is very lucrative and most likely to be accepted
