New Delhi: With the Indian Air Force mulling options to buy a fifth-generation fighter aircraft to strengthen its air power, discussions are on several aircraft, including Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57. The decision has necessitated the following reports that Pakistan is likely to receive China’s J-20 stealth jets.
Why India looking to buy the Sukhoi Su-57?
As per reports, India is looking to buy Sukhoi Su-57 mainly due to cost factors and India’s previous experience of operating the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet. Officials believe that the integration might become smoother if India buys the Russian jet,.
Russia has reportedly offered the Su-57 deal along with licensed production, weapons, and “unrestricted” transfer of technology, News18 reported. According to Moscow, the aircraft meets India’s requirements of the fifth-generation standards. It also cited the aircraft’s composite-heavy design, radar-absorbent coatings, among other features.
Recently, Russia had said that it was ready to support India’s fighter plane needs. Moscow further expressed its willingness to offer unrestricted technology transfer for the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter. Russia made the assurance on the sidelines of the Dubai Air Show 2025. During the event, senior Russian officials spoke on defence cooperation between the two countries.
Separately, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has cleared the procurement of 114 additional Rafale jets for the IAF. Cost negotiations are currently underway, with discussions focused on ensuring flexibility to integrate indigenous weapons systems on the platform.
Decision likely to strengthen IAF’s combat capabilities
While the evaluation process might take some months, the same could be finalised in the next fiscal year. In 2018, India walked away from a joint fifth-generation programme with Russia over cost capability disputes. However, the latest proposal reflected revived urgency to modernise the strength of the IAF.