As New Delhi prepares to host Russian President Vladimir Putin next month, Moscow has advanced a significant defence proposal that could reshape India’s aerospace capabilities for decades. Russia has formally offered complete licensed production of the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter in India, accompanied by unrestricted technology transfer—a long-rumoured possibility that has now surfaced in explicit terms.
The proposal was articulated at the Dubai Air Show, where a senior representative of Rosoboronexport spoke with rare clarity about the scope of cooperation Russia is prepared to offer. “We are ready to organise the supply of Su-57 aircraft produced in Russia and the production of aircraft in India, which includes technology transfer,” the official stated.
He emphasised that Moscow’s offer extends far beyond assembly lines or basic manufacturing rights. It includes deep “technological learning of fifth-generation technologies, engines and other sensitive systems” typically guarded by major powers. For India, which has historically encountered restrictions and conditionalities in defence partnerships with Western suppliers, the promise of unrestricted access is notable.
A Strategic Moment for India’s Fighter Modernisation Plans
The pitch arrives at a critical juncture. India is in the early phases of assessing long-term options for an advanced fighter aircraft, as the Indian Air Force looks to augment its fleet amid regional pressures and rapid Chinese military modernisation. While France, the U.S., and other Western nations have shown interest in supplying platforms such as the Rafale F4, the F-21, or even future sixth-generation technologies, technology transfer has consistently been a limiting factor.
Russian officials highlighted “reliability” and “transparency” as their key selling points, suggesting that Moscow is better positioned to offer long-term access without the risk of sanctions or political conditions. “Manufacturing Su-57 means manufacturing all critical components,” the official added, arguing that the project would eliminate the fear of supply disruptions in periods of geopolitical tension.
Licensed Production: A Continuation of a 60-Year Legacy
Russia has framed the Su-57 production offer as part of a broader historical arc. “We propose to continue 60 years of cooperation in terms of aircraft production,” the Rosoboronexport representative said, invoking India’s experience building MiG-21s under license in the 1960s and Su-30MKI aircraft in more recent decades.
The roadmap, according to Russian officials, involves incremental expansion of licensed production in India until most components are domestically manufactured. This includes the possibility of joint improvement and upgrades to the Su-57 platform over time. “There is a possibility of upgrading the aircraft by improving the aircraft’s software and upgrading it in general,” the official said, hinting at long-term co-development.
Diplomatic Signals Ahead of Putin’s Visit
This dramatic defence overture comes amid a series of high-level diplomatic engagements that underscore the strategic weight of the upcoming Putin–Modi summit. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met President Putin in Moscow, held wide-ranging discussions with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and participated in the SCO Heads of Government Meeting.
In New Delhi, Nikolai Patrushev, a senior aide to President Putin and chairman of the Russian Maritime Board, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to India’s official readout, Modi conveyed “warm greetings to President Putin” and expressed his anticipation for the Russian leader’s visit next month.
The Modi–Patrushev meeting also touched on expanding cooperation beyond defence. Discussions spanned maritime connectivity, shipbuilding, blue economy initiatives, and skill development, signalling that a wider strategic agenda is being prepared for the summit.
A Balancing Act for New Delhi
India today finds itself navigating a complex defence landscape. On one hand, its strategic partnership with Russia remains deeply institutionalised—from BrahMos missiles to Su-30MKI assembly lines. On the other, India has diversified rapidly toward U.S. and European defence suppliers, especially France.
The Su-57 offer thrusts India into a pivotal decision point: whether to deepen traditional defence ties by becoming a manufacturing hub for a fifth-generation fighter, or to continue aligning progressively with Western technologies and supply chains.
As Putin’s visit nears, all eyes will be on how New Delhi responds to what is arguably one of Moscow’s most expansive defence proposals in years—one that could redefine India’s aerospace ecosystem, its technological autonomy, and its broader geopolitical posture.
