Russia and India are assessing the investment required to begin production of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities, potentially advancing one of the most ambitious defense industrial projects between the two nations.
According to India’s ANI news agency, sources said New Delhi currently requires at least two to three squadrons of fifth-generation aircraft. The Russian Su-57, along with the American F-35, is being considered as a candidate for India’s next fighter procurement.
HAL has decades of experience in licensed production of Russian aircraft. Its Nashik plant has assembled Su-30MKI fighters for the Indian Air Force, and officials noted the site could be used to produce the Su-57 if a final agreement is reached. Russian agencies are now conducting studies to determine the level of investment needed for such a program.
An Indian defense ministry source told ANI that other domestic enterprises already manufacture components for the Su-30MKI. Those facilities could also support Su-57 production, reducing costs if the project moves forward.
Earlier reports indicated that India was evaluating a Russian proposal to manufacture the Su-57 domestically. Dmitry Shugayev, Director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, confirmed that the possibility of licensed production has been raised in discussions on bilateral defense cooperation.
The Su-57, also known by its NATO designation “Felon,” is Russia’s premier stealth fighter, intended to compete with Western platforms like the U.S. F-35 and F-22. Featuring low observable design, advanced avionics, and supersonic cruise capability, the aircraft has been in limited production in Russia but has not yet been exported.
For India, participation in Su-57 production could mark a major expansion of its indigenous aerospace sector. It would build upon the country’s long history of licensed assembly and align with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, which promotes domestic manufacturing of advanced defense systems.
The discussions also revive echoes of the earlier Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, a joint project between Moscow and New Delhi that was abandoned several years ago after disagreements over cost and technology transfer. The current talks suggest renewed interest from India in fielding stealth aircraft to address long-term security challenges.
India has been seeking to modernize its air force, which faces both an aging fleet and growing challenges from regional rivals.
Local production of the Su-57 could provide India with access to a next-generation capability without relying entirely on foreign supply chains.