New Delhi: Russia has proposed to India the supply and local production of its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets, even as it prepares to complete delivery of the remaining units of the S-400 “Triumf” air defence system by 2026. The development highlights Moscow’s continuing role as India’s largest defence partner despite New Delhi’s growing diversification of arms purchases.
Su-57 proposal on the table
According to Russian news agency TASS, Moscow has submitted a proposal to supply India with Su-57 stealth fighter jets, while also offering joint production facilities within India. The Su-57 is Russia’s most advanced fighter aircraft, designed to rival American F-35 and F-22 jets with stealth capabilities, supersonic cruise, and advanced avionics.
While New Delhi has not officially commented on the proposal, defence analysts believe it could be seen as an opportunity to strengthen India’s indigenous defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. India has long sought to bolster its fifth-generation fighter capabilities, particularly as neighbouring China has inducted its J-20 stealth jets.
Pending S-400 deliveries
Russia also confirmed that it will complete deliveries of the five S-400 “Triumf” surface-to-air missile systems ordered by India in 2018. The $5.5 billion agreement was aimed at countering China’s growing air power, but the schedule has faced multiple delays.
The first three units have already been delivered, while the final two are now expected in 2026 and 2027. Reports also suggest that discussions are underway for additional orders, with both sides in early negotiation stages.
Long-standing defence partnership
India and Russia share a decades-long defence collaboration, ranging from the licensed production of Su-30MKI fighter jets and T-90 tanks to joint projects such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and AK-203 rifles.
India also operates several Russian-origin platforms, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, MiG-29 fighter jets, and Kamov helicopters. Russia accounted for 36 per cent of India’s defence imports between 2020 and 2024, followed by France at 33 per cent and Israel at 13 per cent, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
Strategic and political context
The S-400 system recently proved its operational effectiveness during Operation Sindoor in May, when Indian forces reportedly intercepted incoming missiles from Pakistan. The deployment reinforced its reputation as a cornerstone of India’s layered air defence shield.
On the diplomatic front, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised India for resisting Western pressure to cut purchases of Russian oil and weapons. He said Moscow “appreciated” New Delhi’s independent stance.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s strong ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China. Modi emphasised that India and Russia stood “side by side even in difficult times,” with Putin reciprocating by referring to him as a “dear friend.”
Outlook
If India proceeds with the Su-57 proposal, it could mark a significant upgrade in the country’s air power and technological cooperation with Russia. However, experts note that New Delhi is carefully balancing its defence relationships with Western nations while maintaining long-standing ties with Moscow.
For now, the imminent focus remains on the timely delivery of the remaining S-400 units and the ongoing negotiations for possible new orders. Together, these steps underline the enduring depth of Indo-Russian defence cooperation despite shifting global geopolitical alignments.