Russia Pitches Su-57 in India’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Race
Su-57 Makes Its Debut at Aero India 2025
The race for India’s fifth-generation fighter jet market has intensified, with Russia officially entering the competition with its Su-57. For the first time, the Russian stealth fighter is being showcased in Indian airspace. This is happening ahead of Aero India 2025. The event begins on February 10 in Bengaluru. Su-57 landed at Yelahanka Air Base with its landing gear deployed for the Aero India.
This marks a unique moment where two countries are competing to sell their fifth-generation fighter plane to India. The contenders in this race are Russia’s Su-57 and America’s F-35. Rosoboron Export, the company manufacturing the Su-57, has offered India the export version of the Su-57, known as the Su-57E. The proposal includes options for fly-away condition purchase and joint production.
India’s Long standing Association with the Su-57
This is the first time the Su-57 will fly over Indian skies. Its association with India dates back to its development phase. In the early 2000’s, India partnered with Russia. They aimed to develop a fifth-generation fighter under the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Plane) project. In 2010, India and Russia signed a design agreement for the FGFA project, and India made significant financial investments. In 2018, India withdrew from the project. The main reason was its focus on developing the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Plane (AMCA).
Reports suggest that the FGFA project was never entirely shelved and be revived in the future. Meanwhile, the Su-57 officially entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2020. It was deployed in operations against Ukraine in 2022. The jet can fly at twice the speed of sound and carry over 7.5 tons of weaponry. The Su-57 was also showcased at China’s Air Show in November 2023.
AMCA, India’s First Indigenous Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet
Since 2010, the Indian Air Force has been working with DRDO to develop an indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet. The government has approved the construction of six prototypes. The first prototype is expected to be ready in the next five years. The Aeronautical Development Agency is leading the AMCA project, which will be India’s first twin-engine stealth fighter jet.
The AMCA will feature advanced stealth capabilities. It will be undetectable by enemy radars. It will have an endurance of 10 hours. Still, challenges persist, particularly in engine development, and the Tejas Mark II program is also facing delays. Given these obstacles, it is uncertain whether the AMCA will enter service before 2035.
Russia a long-term defence partner of India
Unlike many other countries that sell military equipment to India without sharing technology, Russia has been a long-term defence partner. It is willing to transfer technology. Around 60-70% of India’s military hardware comes from Russia.
Several major Russian military platforms have been manufactured in India under license production. These include T-90 and T-72 battle tanks and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles. Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets and Stealth frigates for the Indian Navy are also produced.
Additionally, India and Russia jointly developed the BrahMos cruise missile and are collaborating on the AK-203 assault rifle. With the Su-57E now being offered, Russia has extended yet another significant defence cooperation proposal to India.
