Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Russia Proposes India Build 100 Su-57 Fighter Jets
Russia has asked India to help build Su-57 fighter planes inside India.
The plan could involve making at least 100 aircraft.
Indian companies might also produce parts for planes used by Russia and other buyers.
India may need only about 36 to 54 planes for its own air force.
It reportedly prefers buying some planes quickly rather than starting a long factory project immediately.
Building many planes could give Indian companies new aerospace skills.
However, the project could require a lot of money.
India would need to decide whether it helps or takes resources away from its own AMCA fighter project.
Russia has reportedly proposed that India manufacture at least 100 Su-57 fighters domestically.
The plan could make Indian companies long-term suppliers for Russian and export-bound aircraft.
India may require only 36 to 54 aircraft for two or three fighter squadrons.
The Indian Air Force reportedly favors a faster off-the-shelf purchase over immediate local production.
A major Su-57 commitment could compete for funding with India’s indigenous AMCA programme.
- Who
- Russia and India, including the Russian Aerospace Forces, the Indian Air Force, and Indian defence companies.
- What
- Russia has reportedly proposed that India manufacture at least 100 Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets and related components.
- When
- The proposal followed recent diplomatic engagements involving Russian President Vladimir Putin at a BRICS summit; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- The proposed production would be based in India, potentially at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Nashik facility.
- Why
- Russia seeks a production scale that could support a joint facility, expand aerospace manufacturing, ease supply-chain and financial pressures, and support Russian and export customers.
Russia’s Proposal
India’s Considerations
Programme size
Russia’s Proposal
Russia reportedly wants India to commit to manufacturing at least 100 aircraft so a dedicated production line and joint facility can be economically justified.
India’s Considerations
India may need only 36 to 54 aircraft, equivalent to two or three squadrons, making a 100-aircraft commitment potentially larger than its immediate requirement.
Acquisition approach
Russia’s Proposal
Russia is proposing a long-term manufacturing partnership in which Indian companies supply components for Russian and overseas Su-57 customers.
India’s Considerations
The Indian Air Force reportedly favors a faster off-the-shelf purchase rather than immediately committing to a lengthy domestic manufacturing programme.
Long-term priorities
Russia’s Proposal
Russia could gain manufacturing capacity, supply-chain support, and reduced financial pressure while expanding the Su-57’s production network.
India’s Considerations
India must weigh technology and industrial benefits against the cost of the proposal and possible effects on the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme.
- Proposed aircraft total
- At least 100 Su-57 aircraft manufactured in India
- Potential Indian requirement
- Approximately 36 to 54 aircraft, or two or three squadrons
- Potential production site
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Nashik facility
- India’s reported preference
- A relatively quick, off-the-shelf acquisition
- Indian fighter fleet
- Roughly 30 active fighter squadrons
- Related indigenous programme
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, whose prototype manufacturing phase has begun
- Earlier model
- The Su-30MKI licensed-production programme