MOSCOW / HYDERABAD : India and Russia have entered advanced technical discussions on the potential joint production of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57E fighter jet in India, according to senior officials of Russia’s aerospace industry, signaling a possible revival and expansion of long-term defence industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday by Vadim Badekha, Chief Executive Officer of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), who said negotiations had reached an advanced technical stage. There was no immediate confirmation or public response from the Indian government or the Indian Air Force regarding the claims.
Advanced Technical Talks on Su-57E Production
Speaking to Russian reporters on the sidelines of the Wings India air show held at Begumpet airport in Hyderabad, Badekha said the proposed agreement would go beyond aircraft supply and focus on licensed production within India.
“Today, we are in the advanced stage of technical negotiations on this contract. Such contracts, given our experience, determine the trajectory of our cooperation for several decades to come,” Badekha said, according to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency.
He stated that discussions include the possibility of manufacturing Su-57E fighters at Indian facilities currently used for assembling Su-30MKI aircraft, with extensive involvement of Indian industry. According to Badekha, the plan under consideration предусматриes maximum integration of Indian-made systems, components, and subsystems into the aircraft.
“Licensed production of the Su-57 fighters in India and the maximum use of Indian industry and Indian systems in this aircraft are being discussed,” he said, adding that the complexity of such an arrangement requires detailed technical and industrial assessment.
Rosoboronexport Offer and AMCA Cooperation
Earlier, Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport also outlined its proposals to New Delhi. Alexander Mikheev, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, said Russia was offering India not only the direct supply of Su-57E fifth-generation fighters but also the organisation of their production in India.
According to state-run RIA Novosti, Mikheev also said Russia was prepared to assist India in the development of its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, which aims to produce a domestically designed stealth fighter.
India had previously been associated with Russia’s fifth-generation fighter effort through the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme, which was later shelved. Any renewed cooperation would mark a significant shift in India’s fighter aircraft acquisition strategy, although no official Indian position has been announced.
Superjet-100 Production Agreement with HAL
In parallel with fighter jet discussions, Russian and Indian companies have moved forward on cooperation in civil aviation. Russian news agency Interfax reported that UAC and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have signed an agreement related to the production of Superjet-100 regional passenger aircraft in India.
Under the agreement, HAL will assist UAC in the certification and validation process of the Superjet aircraft in India. HAL will also receive a licence to manufacture, sell, and support the SJ-100, including the production of components, parts, and spare units required for maintenance and repair.
UAC, in return, will support HAL in re-tooling and organising its production facilities for SJ-100 manufacturing. This assistance will include consulting services, design support, and the involvement of Russian specialists. Details related to project timelines, financial parameters, production volumes, and workforce deployment are expected to be finalised in a comprehensive master agreement.
Localisation and Export Plans
Badekha said UAC expects the cooperation to extend beyond Indian domestic needs. He stated that localisation of components, units, and systems in India could eventually support supplies to Russia as well, reducing production costs and strengthening industrial integration between the two countries.
“This is an opportunity to expand cooperation, reduce aircraft costs, and create a new level of interaction in the aviation industry,” he said.
UAC and HAL had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in October for the production of Superjet aircraft in India, laying the groundwork for the latest agreement.
Import-Independent Superjet Variant
The version of the Superjet-100 being offered to India is the so-called “import-independent” variant. According to UAC, this model uses exclusively Russian-made components, including the newly developed PD-8 engines, and is not dependent on Western suppliers.
Until 2022, Russia produced Superjet aircraft using components sourced through international cooperation. That production model was halted after Western sanctions disrupted supply chains, prompting Russia to redesign the aircraft with fully domestic systems.
Broader Context
Russia showcased both the Ilyushin Il-114-300 regional transport aircraft and the Sukhoi SJ-100 in static display at Wings India, underlining Moscow’s push to expand aerospace cooperation with India across both military and civilian sectors.
While Russian officials have described the talks as advanced and substantive, any future joint production of the Su-57E or large-scale civil aircraft manufacturing in India would require formal approval from New Delhi, detailed contractual agreements, and alignment with India’s defence and industrial policies.
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