Russia to propose a Govt-to-Govt deal of 70 Su-57E 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Jets to India during Russian President Putin's visit to India by early 2025
Russia is set to propose a major Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement for the sale of 70 Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to India during President Vladimir Putin's state visit, expected in early 2025. This initiative highlights Moscow's renewed push to strengthen its defense partnership with New Delhi, particularly in the domain of advanced combat aircraft, following India's exit from the joint Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program in 2018.
The proposed deal comes at a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is grappling with a dwindling combat squadron strength, which has fallen below the sanctioned requirement of 42 squadrons. Russian officials have positioned this offer as a timely solution to help bridge this gap by delivering a fleet of 60-70 Su-57E jets, promising an infusion of cutting-edge air power.
The Su-57E is the export version of the Sukhoi Su-57, known by its NATO reporting name "Felon." This single-seat, twin-engine multirole fighter is designed for air superiority and ground attack missions. Developed by Sukhoi, a subsidiary of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation, the Su-57 is lauded for its stealth capabilities, supercruise functionality, and advanced avionics. These features enable it to outclass earlier-generation fighters and counter sophisticated ground and naval defenses.
The jets intended for India will feature the AL-51F engines, which Russia touts as true fifth-generation powerplants. These engines are expected to deliver superior thrust-to-weight ratios, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced stealth characteristics, further bolstering the aircraft's performance.
Russia is reportedly offering the Su-57E at a price significantly lower than that of the French Dassault Rafale, a 4.5-generation fighter already in service with the IAF. This competitive pricing, combined with the Su-57E's advanced capabilities, could make the proposal appealing to India as it continues its drive to modernize military hardware.
To support this offer, Russia is ramping up production of the Su-57. Reports indicate that annual production is set to increase from 15 to 25 units in the coming years, ensuring faster delivery timelines for prospective Indian orders. This reflects Russia's broader strategy to re-engage India with high-end defense technology, especially after the FGFA project fell through.
India had withdrawn from the FGFA program due to concerns over delays, escalating costs, and insufficient technology transfer. The project, which aimed to develop a customized two-seat version of the Su-57 for the IAF, was also criticized for failing to meet key fifth-generation fighter specifications. Estimates placed the cost of the FGFA program at over $6 billion.
Since India's withdrawal, Russian officials have consistently promoted the Su-57E, emphasizing its advancements and asserting that it now aligns with India's stringent requirements for a next-generation fighter.
The Su-57, which first flew in 2010, faced production delays due to technical challenges but officially entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in December 2020. The aircraft has seen combat deployment in Syria and is reportedly in use during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, adding operational credibility to its capabilities.
For the IAF, this offer arrives at a critical time. India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, aimed at developing a domestic fifth-generation fighter, remains in the development stage, with its first flight projected no earlier than 2027 and operational deployment likely in the 2030s. The acquisition of Su-57E jets could serve as an interim measure, ensuring the IAF maintains its combat readiness until the AMCA becomes fully operational.
This potential deal is expected to draw significant attention from global defense analysts. It could reshape the regional balance of power and redefine Indo-Russian defense cooperation. However, the agreement's success will depend on various factors, including the final price, technology transfer commitments, and India's assessment of the Su-57E's suitability for its operational needs and evolving strategic priorities.
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