The Modi government’s ‘Made in India’ initiative, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency across critical sectors, is now set to make a decisive stride in defence. Alongside projects such as the ‘Made in India Jet’ and ‘Made in India Chip’, India has taken steps towards producing one of the world’s most advanced stealth fighters. Reports suggest that India is preparing to manufacture the Russian-origin Su-57 in the country, a move seen as a landmark in strengthening its air power.
In addition to domestic production, India is reportedly in advanced talks to purchase between 36 and 40 Su-57E fighter jets directly from Russia. Reports indicate that the deal will be structured as a government-to-government agreement. Under the proposed arrangement, two squadrons of aircraft would be imported outright, while India would manufacture an additional three to five squadrons locally.
This development marks a significant reversal of policy. In 2018, India had withdrawn from the joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project with Russia, raising concerns about the Su-57’s performance, particularly its super-cruise capability and stealth features. Yet the renewed interest highlights India’s reassessment of its defence needs. The move will strengthen India’s deterrence against Pakistan and counter China’s growing military support to Islamabad.
Su-57: Russia’s stealth answer to the west, joint production with Russia
The Su-57 is widely regarded as Moscow’s response to the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters. If manufactured in India, the aircraft will become the first stealth fighter to be built on Indian soil, significantly advancing domestic defence production capabilities.
One of the key advantages of the Su-57 is its efficiency at supersonic speeds. Unlike many fighter jets that burn through large amounts of fuel in such conditions, the Su-57 can maintain supersonic flight with reduced fuel consumption. The aircraft is a twin-engine multirole stealth platform capable of carrying up to 10 tons of weaponry, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, and precision-guided munitions.
Its stealth design makes it difficult for adversaries to track, while its long-range strike capacity and ability to operate from high-altitude bases, including those near the Himalayas, make it particularly suited for India’s strategic environment. Russia has also reportedly agreed to transfer the aircraft’s full source code to India, allowing deeper integration and possible indigenous customisation.
If the agreement materialises, India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will collaborate with Russia’s Sukhoi Bureau to manufacture the aircraft domestically. This arrangement is expected to boost India’s aerospace ecosystem while simultaneously meeting the urgent need to expand the Indian Air Force’s squadron strength, which has been steadily declining in recent years.
The project also complements India’s plans to develop its own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), targeted for induction around 2035. The Su-57 deal is seen as a stopgap and a stepping stone, filling immediate capability gaps while providing technological know-how for future indigenous projects.
Strategic Context: Pakistan and China
The backdrop to India’s renewed interest in the Su-57 includes the regional security environment. Reports suggest that China is considering offering its J-31 stealth fighter to Pakistan, a development that could tilt the regional air power balance. The Indian government appears determined to ensure that its Air Force remains equipped to handle such challenges.
The lessons of Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian Air Force destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan, are said to have reinforced the importance of a robust air capability. The operation, which struck deep into Pakistani territory, revealed India’s capacity for precision strikes but also highlighted the necessity of strengthening its fighter fleet for future missions.
There are also reports that Pakistan has begun rebuilding Lashkar-e-Taiba’s demolished headquarters with financial support from its own government, which has reportedly provided approximately ₹1.25 crore for the reconstruction. Such developments are seen in New Delhi as a reminder of the continuing threat from across the border and the need for stronger deterrence.
India’s decision to revisit the Su-57 project signals both strategic necessity and a shift in its defence production ambitions. While the country had earlier deemed the aircraft inadequate, changing regional dynamics and the prospect of indigenous manufacturing have revived interest. Should the agreement be finalised, India would not only bolster its immediate squadron strength but also mark a significant leap forward in its quest for technological self-reliance.
For India, the Su-57 represents more than just another weapons purchase. It reflects an evolving vision where advanced military capabilities, indigenous production, and strategic preparedness converge. In the long run, this decision could shape the trajectory of India’s air power and reinforce its standing as a formidable force in the region.
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