Russia has offered India full production of the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, including complete technology transfer. The proposal comes just weeks before President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi. If accepted, India would gain access to advanced stealth, engine and sensor technologies that no Western nation has offered.

India is preparing for President Vladimir Putin’s visit in December, and defence ties are at the centre of intense diplomatic activity. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Putin and Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, while senior Russian official Nikolai Patrushev held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. And amidst this busy week, Russia put forward one of its strongest military proposals in years.

Russia Offers Full Su-57 Production In India

At the Dubai Airshow, Russia surprised India by offering complete licensed production of the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter inside India. This includes full technology transfer for engines, sensors, stealth materials, avionics and other sensitive systems.

Officials say Russia is willing to share knowledge in areas like fifth-generation engines, AESA radar, artificial intelligence, low-visibility designs, optics and advanced air weapons. No Western nation has offered India such deep access to stealth technology.

If approved, India would gain the ability to build, upgrade and maintain a fifth-generation fighter independently.

Why The Offer Matters Now

The timing is important. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has said India needs 35 to 40 new fighter jets every year for the next 20 years to close the Air Force’s squadron gap. This must match India’s long-term defence manufacturing goals under Roadmap 2047.

India is working on its own AMCA stealth fighter but is still evaluating foreign fifth-generation options. Russia’s Su-57 proposal arrives at a critical moment when India is choosing its long-term path.

During Putin’s visit, officials expect movement on the Su-57 project, updates on S-400 deliveries, possible S-500 cooperation, more joint Su-30MKI and T-90 production, and new upgrades for the BrahMos missile.

India and Russia have maintained defence cooperation despite global sanctions and shifting politics. But this offer signals a new phase, one based on co-development, not just buying and selling.

As President Putin prepares to arrive in New Delhi, Russia’s message is clear that it is all set to build fifth-generation capability with India, inside India and on terms that favour Indian interests.