The Indian Air Force (IAF) may soon approach the Defence Acquisition Council for approval to procure 36–40 Sukhoi Su57 fighters from Russia, even as the government has cleared the purchase of114 Dassault Rafale jetsfrom France. The proposed Su57 India deal, estimated at roughly $7 billion, is being positioned as a potential fifth-generation bridge capability. The development signals New Delhi’s multi-vector strategy in modernising its combat fleet.
The clearance of the Rafale IAF deal last week, valued at over $30 billion, significantly bolstered India’s 4.5-generation strength. However, the absence of an operational stealth platform in the Indian Air Force inventory remains a strategic concern. With China expanding its J-20 fleet, the IAF Su57 option is being examined as a stopgap before the indigenous AMCA enters service.
Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has confirmed that technical consultations with India are at an advanced stage. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha stated that discussions include licensed production of the export variant Sukhoi Su57 at facilities currently manufacturing the Su-30MKI. The proposal reportedly emphasises maximum Indian industry participation and potential Su57 tech transfer.
Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets perform during the MAKS-2019 International Aviation and Space Show in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, Russia.
The Sukhoi Aviation pitch also includes assistance in India’s indigenous AMCA stealth programme. Rosoboronexport has publicly offered not only direct supply of the Felon fighter India variant but also co-production arrangements. For New Delhi, engine access, avionics integration and intellectual property rights will be central to any serious negotiation.
Developed under Russia’s PAK FA programme, the Sukhoi Su57 prioritises manoeuvrability alongside stealth. The jet is powered by the AL-41F1 engine, and is expected to transition to the more advanced Izdeliye 30 engine in the future. While its stealth profile is debated compared to Western platforms, its thrust-vectoring agility and long-range weapons capability remain key selling points.
The Dassault Rafale acquisition strengthens India’s proven multi-role capacity, especially after Operation Sindoor Rafale deployments highlighted precision-strike capability. Dassault Aviation has maintained strong industrial ties with India, including local manufacturing components and MRO facilities. The Rafale fighter jet India expansion consolidates a familiar platform with established logistics chains.
Simultaneously, India is exploring entry into France’s sixth-generationFCAS programme. The FCAS India France dialogue reportedly centres on manned-unmanned teaming, stealth architecture and next-generation propulsion technologies. This places New Delhi in discussions across both fifth- and sixth-generation domains simultaneously.
The broader calculus is complex. A Su57 India line could accelerate exposure to stealth production and systems integration, yet it may also raise questions about resource diversion from AMCA. Policymakers must weigh immediate force-level requirements against long-term self-reliance goals. For now, no formal evaluation has begun, and no contract has been signed.
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