In a major development for India-Russia defence ties, Russia has reportedly offered India the export version of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-57E. As part of the proposal, Russia is also extending full source-code access, deep localization opportunities, and licensed production rights—an offer seen as a strategic game-changer, particularly concerning regional rivals like Pakistan and China, as well as the U.S.
According to media sources, India has requested the integration of indigenous technologies—such as Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based AESA radar systems like the Uttam and Indian mission computers—into the Su-57E platform. Russia is reviewing this request as negotiations progress.
About the Su-57
Developed by Sukhoi, the Su-57 is a twin-engine, fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter designed to deliver superior combat capabilities and versatility.
The Su-57E offer holds significant importance for India, especially since the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still under development and is expected to take at least a decade to enter full-scale production. While the U.S. has reportedly offered its F-35 fighter to India, New Delhi appears more inclined toward the Russian option for the time being.
AMCA Gets Green Light
In a parallel stride toward self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has cleared the Execution Model for India’s AMCA program. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead the project. This move aligns with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, reinforcing India’s commitment to building its fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
The AMCA is envisioned as a cutting-edge, all-weather stealth multirole fighter, poised to elevate India’s air power and technological prowess significantly once operational.