India Weighs Su-57 Fighter Jet Partnership with Russia

In a major development that could reshape the trajectory of India's fighter jet modernization plans, the Indian government is actively considering a proposal to collaborate with Russia for the acquisition—and potential joint production—of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet. According to exclusive information sourced by CNBC-TV18, this engagement includes significant strategic and technological offerings, notably the possibility of 100% source code transfer, making this a rare case of full-spectrum technology sharing by a major global defense supplier.

Su-57: A New Chapter in Indo-Russian Defense Ties

The Su-57, Russia's premier stealth fighter, was designed to compete with the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. It incorporates stealth shaping, supermaneuverability, internal weapons bays, advanced avionics, and a powerful AESA radar. While earlier discussions under the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) project fizzled out due to disagreements on cost and technology transfer, the current dialogue suggests a reset—this time with more transparency and deeper integration potential.

Crucially, Moscow’s new proposal reportedly includes the supply and local manufacturing of the Su-57 in India. If finalized, it would be the first time a fifth-generation fighter is co-produced outside of its country of origin, with India likely to become a hub for the aircraft’s production, customization, and export to friendly nations.

100% Transfer of Technology & Source Code:

One of the standout features of this proposal is Russia’s reported willingness to transfer the full source code of the Su-57 to India. This would allow Indian defense scientists and engineers to integrate indigenous weapons, electronic warfare systems (EWS), and customized mission software, creating a truly Indianized variant of the aircraft. This level of autonomy could bridge a critical capability gap in India's airpower doctrine and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers in wartime scenarios.

In terms of electronic warfare, India could potentially add systems developed by DRDO such as the ‘Shakti’ EWS, already deployed on naval platforms, and tailor it for airborne application. Indigenous weapons like the Astra air-to-air missile, Rudram anti-radiation missile, and upcoming SMART munitions could also be seamlessly integrated into the Su-57’s internal weapons bays—enhancing its stealth strike capabilities.

Indigenous Engine Talks Parallel to Su-57 Proposal

Alongside this, the Indian government is reportedly evaluating proposals from Safran (France) and Rolls Royce (UK) to co-develop engines for its fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. These are currently the only companies offering a 100% Transfer of Technology (ToT) and Intellectual Property (IP) rights, making them ideal partners for long-term self-reliance.

This dual-track approach—pursuing Su-57 collaboration while simultaneously developing indigenous engines—shows that India is not merely buying platforms but is strategically acquiring the building blocks of fifth-generation technology.

No F-35 on Radar Yet

Interestingly, despite speculation and earlier lobbying by the U.S., there is no proposal under consideration for acquiring the F-35 fighter jets, further underlining India’s pivot toward strategic autonomy and partners willing to share critical defense technologies without restrictions.

Strategic Implications

India’s movement toward acquiring the Su-57—combined with AMCA development—signals a shift from buyer to co-developer. The presence of indigenous weapons and mission systems will ensure customizability for Indian scenarios, particularly for operations on both the western (Pakistan) and northern (China) fronts. Additionally, should India secure IP rights over its version of the Su-57, it may also open up limited export opportunities in the future, strengthening India's position in the global defense market.

This initiative, if finalized, would be one of the most consequential defense collaborations between India and Russia in decades—ushering in a new era of stealth, sovereignty, and strike power for the Indian Air Force.