Archive · 11 Jun 2025
India Likely to Acquire Russian Su-57 Fighter Jets Over US F-35
India is looking to buy new fighter jets!
They are thinking about getting the Sukhoi Su-57 from Russia instead of the F-35 from the United States.
India already has experience with Russian jets and wants to make the new planes in India.
Russia is offering to share the technology and let India change the planes to fit what they need.
This is because they need jets faster than they can make them themselves.
India is considering acquiring Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets.
The Indian government is not considering the US offer for F-35 jets.
HAL already manufactures Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets in India.
Russia has offered technology transfer and co-production of the Su-57.
India is seeking to modernize its air force and counter potential threats.
- Who
- Indian government and Russia, specifically United Aircraft Corporation.
- What
- India considering acquiring Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets from Russia.
- When
- Discussions are current, with immediate needs driving the decision.
- Where
- India and Russia
- Why
- To modernize the IAF, address squadron shortages, and counter potential threats.
Potential Concerns
Russian Advantages
Aircraft Capability
Potential Concerns
Uncertainties around the stealth, combat avionics, radars and sensors performance of the Su-57 that led India to leave the program earlier in 2018.
Russian Advantages
The performance of the Su-57 has improved significantly since its entry into service in 2020, resulting in a renewed interest from India. Russia also offers full access to the source code to integrate Indian systems.
Technology Transfer
Potential Concerns
US may offer more advanced jets with greater technology transfer.
Russian Advantages
US delays and reluctance to transfer technology. US may not allow technology transfer and manufacturing in India.
- Aircraft Under Consideration
- Sukhoi Su-57
- Country of Origin (Su-57)
- Russia
- Aircraft Not Being Considered
- F-35
- Indian manufacturing
- Potential, with Russia offering co-production
- Existing Indian Aircraft
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI
