Russia, RD-93 Engines, and the Question of Timing: A Decade Later, India Looks to Su-57

Recent reports on Russia’s continued supply of RD-93 turbofan engines for the JF-17 fighter program have drawn attention in New Delhi, where the development is seen through the wider lens of India-Russia defence ties. The RD-93 is a variant of the RD-33 engine family, originally designed for the Russian MiG-29. It powers the JF-17 Thunder, an aircraft co-developed by China and Pakistan.

While much of the commentary frames Russia’s action as direct support to Pakistan, the reality is that the engine deliveries are made to China, which remains the primary developer and manufacturer of the JF-17. Pakistan’s role is limited to assembly of kits supplied by China, even though the project is often presented domestically as an indigenous achievement. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) inducted the JF-17 in 2010, and since then the fighter has gradually replaced older Mirage and F-7 fleets.

The present questions around the RD-93 supply are surfacing after more than a decade of JF-17 service, raising doubts about the timing. Analysts in New Delhi connect the renewed discussion to the possibility of an upcoming India-Russia defence agreement on the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft. India had earlier stepped away from a joint program on the Su-57 but is now reconsidering acquisition as part of its long-term airpower plans. Such a step would give India advanced capabilities to counter both China and Pakistan, a move that some Western countries are not in favor of. Against this backdrop, narratives about Russian engines sustaining Pakistan’s JF-17 fleet gain wider visibility.

The JF-17 Block III, now entering service, introduces improvements such as the KLJ-7A AESA radar, new electronic warfare systems, upgraded avionics, and compatibility with PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles. These enhancements are intended to narrow the gap with India’s Rafale and upcoming indigenous platforms. However, the aircraft remains fundamentally dependent on imported technology, particularly the RD-93 engines from Russia via China.

For Russia, engine sales to China fall under long-standing contracts and represent part of its need to sustain defence exports in an environment shaped by Western sanctions. At the same time, Moscow faces the challenge of maintaining its reputation as a reliable partner for India, a country with which it shares decades of defence cooperation. The Su-57 discussions highlight India’s continued interest in Russian high-end technologies, but also underline New Delhi’s increasing caution as it diversifies defence acquisitions through France, the United States, and domestic initiatives under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The issue of RD-93 supplies is therefore less about a sudden strategic realignment and more about shifting perceptions. Russia’s balancing act—selling engines to China while engaging India on advanced fighter deals—reflects a move away from Cold War–era exclusivity towards a more transactional defence relationship. For India, the episode strengthens the case for reducing external dependencies and accelerating indigenous programs such as the AMCA and advanced engine co-development projects.

The debate around the JF-17’s engines ultimately illustrates how global defence supply chains intersect with regional security concerns. It also highlights how geopolitical timing—such as potential India-Russia Su-57 negotiations—can influence the way long-standing technical arrangements are interpreted and politicized.