In early 2025, discussions between Moscow and New Delhi regarding the potential sale of Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet have gained significant momentum, particularly against the United States’ F-35 Lightning II backdrop and its perceived limitations for India’s strategic needs. This development comes as India seeks to modernize its air force amid evolving regional security dynamics, including the growing capabilities of its neighbors, China and Pakistan. The Su-57 showcased impressively at the Aero India 2025 exhibition in Bengaluru from February 10-14, has emerged as a compelling option for India, especially as the F-35’s restrictive operational framework and geopolitical baggage have cast doubts on its suitability for New Delhi’s defense strategy.
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The Su-57, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi design bureau, represents Moscow’s latest foray into stealth technology and advanced multirole fighter capabilities. With its supermaneuverability, thrust-vectoring engines, and ability to carry diverse weaponry, the aircraft has been pitched as a viable alternative to Western fifth-generation fighters. During the Aero India event, the Su-57’s aerial demonstrations captivated onlookers, highlighting its agility and combat potential. Russian officials, including representatives from Rostec, the state-owned defense conglomerate, have sweetened the offer by proposing not just the sale of finished aircraft but also joint production in India. This could involve leveraging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nasik facility, which has already produced over 220 Su-30 MKI jets, to manufacture a customized version of the Su-57 tailored to Indian requirements. Such an arrangement promises technology transfers, a key priority for India as it seeks to bolster its indigenous defense industry, particularly for its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
In contrast, the F-35, offered by the United States through Lockheed Martin, brings its own set of advantages and challenges. Touted as the pinnacle of stealth technology, with advanced sensors and network-centric warfare capabilities, the F-35 has been operational in over 1,000 units worldwide. Its presence at Aero India 2025, albeit limited to a static display rather than flight demonstrations, underscored its prominence in the global arms market. However, the F-35’s appeal to India is tempered by significant drawbacks. The United States imposes stringent end-use monitoring and operational restrictions on the aircraft, limiting the autonomy of buyer nations in how they deploy and maintain it. For India, a country that prizes strategic independence and has historically resisted overreliance on any single foreign power, these constraints are a major sticking point. Furthermore, acquiring the F-35 could complicate India’s existing defense relationship with Russia, particularly given its use of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, which has already strained ties with Washington.
The timing of these discussions is critical. India faces mounting pressure to acquire a fifth-generation fighter as China advances its own stealth capabilities with the J-20 and prepares to supply Pakistan with the J-35, a move that could shift the regional balance of power. The Su-57, despite its limited production—only about 40 units have been built compared to the F-35’s extensive fleet—offers India a chance to counter this threat without the geopolitical entanglements of a U.S. deal. Reports indicate that Moscow is willing to integrate Indian weapons like the Astra missile and BrahMos-NG into the Su-57, enhancing its compatibility with India’s existing arsenal. This flexibility, combined with the prospect of local production, aligns closely with New Delhi’s “Make in India” initiative, making the Russian offer increasingly attractive. While the F-35 remains a technological marvel, its limited autonomy and the broader implications of aligning too closely with U.S. defense policies have made it a less likely candidate for India. Conversely, the Su-57, though still maturing with unresolved questions about its stealth capabilities and production scalability, represents a pragmatic interim solution as India develops its AMCA. As of February 20, 2025, no final decision has been announced, but the talks between Moscow and Delhi signal a potential deepening of their decades-long defense partnership, one that could reshape India’s air power in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.