India is reportedly exploring the purchase of at least two squadrons of Russia’s first operational fifth-generation fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57, while also evaluating a proposal to manufacture the jets domestically, according to The Print on Tuesday.
The Russian offer mirrors previous arrangements with India, under which MiG and Su-30 MKI aircraft were jointly produced in India. If approved, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would collaborate with the Russian manufacturer to assemble the Su-57 jets.
Sources told the website that the initial two squadrons would be delivered in a fly-away condition, with the potential for HAL to produce an additional three to five squadrons at its Nashik facility.
These plans are reportedly in the preliminary stages and are separate from India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. Under MRFA, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has recommended acquiring the French Rafale jets, manufactured by Dassault Aviation.
Meanwhile, India is also progressing on its domestic fighter jet initiatives. In May, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved the “execution model” for developing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a $175 million project. The AMCA is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth fighter capable of air superiority, ground strikes, suppression of enemy air defenses, and electronic warfare missions.
Last month, the Indian government reportedly approved a $7.6 billion deal for domestically produced fighter planes, underscoring the country’s push to bolster its indigenous defense capabilities.
