What’s Next for India-Russia Defense Ties? Putin Proposes Joint Production of Su-57 Fighter Jet

Putin's Proposal for Joint Development

St Petersburg: Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an offer to India for the Sukhoi Su-57, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, suggesting the possibility of joint production in India, reflecting the robust strategic partnership between the two nations.

Historically, Russia has been India's main defense supplier. However, ongoing supply chain issues and delays due to the conflict in Ukraine have prompted India to diversify its military procurement strategies.

In pursuit of a fifth-generation fighter, India has initiated the Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, which is considered the country's most significant indigenous aerospace initiative.

During a discussion with leaders from various global news agencies, including a representative from a prominent Indian media outlet, Putin elaborated on the defense collaboration between India and Russia, expressing Moscow's interest in involving New Delhi in the Su-57 program.

He stated, "We have proposed to our Indian partners to collaborate on this fifth-generation aircraft, which I believe is the best available. However, our Indian friends have responded with caution, saying, 'let's see.'"

Putin emphasized that the Su-57 could be a product of collaboration between Russia and India, asserting that there would be no limitations on their cooperation.

Reports indicate that India has not entirely dismissed the Russian offer, as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is currently in discussions with the Sukhoi Design Bureau regarding potential collaboration.

Given that the AMCA project is not expected to deliver aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) before 2035, the Indian government is contemplating the acquisition of at least two squadrons (approximately 36 units) of Su-57s, contingent upon meeting technical requirements.

India and Russia had been negotiating for nearly 15 years regarding the joint development of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA). However, in 2021, India decided against proceeding with the project due to its estimated cost of around USD 30 billion.

Putin also expressed Russia's readiness to collaborate with India on other critical defense platforms, including integrated air defense systems.

"We are prepared to work with India on air defense systems and related technologies," he remarked.

India is currently developing its indigenous air defense system, named "Sudarshan Chakra," which will incorporate Russian-origin S-400 missile systems as a key component.

In October 2018, India finalized a USD 5 billion agreement with Russia for five units of the S-400 air defense missile systems, despite warnings from the US about potential sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The fifth squadron of S-400 systems has yet to be delivered.

These S-400 systems were instrumental during Operation Sindoor.

In March, India approved the procurement of an additional five S-400 missile systems from Russia, bringing the total to ten.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the second-largest global importer of arms and military equipment from 2021 to 2025, with a significant portion sourced from Russia.

In response to Putin's comments regarding the Su-57, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed the strength of India-Russia defense relations, stating, "The defense ties between India and Russia are robust. For specific details regarding this program, please consult the Ministry of Defence."