Su-57 fighter jet India
India could potentially manufacture Russia’s fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter aircraft under a proposed cooperation framework with Moscow. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has indicated that it has the technical expertise, manpower and industrial infrastructure required to undertake production if the Indian government approves the proposal.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K said the company’s long experience with licensed production of the Su-30MKI provides a foundation for manufacturing the more advanced fighter in India. He said most of the required facilities and technical manpower are already available.
However, India has not yet announced a final government approval or production contract for the Su-57. The proposal therefore remains under consideration.
India and Russia have been discussing the possibility of manufacturing the Su-57 in India for some time. A Russian technical team has assessed HAL facilities as part of the feasibility process.
Earlier assessments indicated that a significant portion of HAL’s existing infrastructure could potentially be used for Su-57 production. Additional investment may still be required for new technologies, infrastructure upgrades, specialised manpower and supply-chain development.
Russia has offered India joint production and technology transfer for the export version of the aircraft, the Su-57E. In June 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly reiterated Moscow’s willingness to cooperate with India on joint production of the Su-57.
If the proposal moves forward, India could potentially develop a domestic manufacturing capability instead of relying solely on imports of completed aircraft.
India’s search for a fifth-generation fighter capability has involved discussions around both the American F-35 and the Russian Su-57. In 2025, then-US President Donald Trump had publicly mentioned an offer to sell F-35 aircraft to India.
Russia, meanwhile, has offered joint production and technology transfer associated with the Su-57E. This makes technology access, local manufacturing and long-term maintenance capability important factors alongside the aircraft itself.
India is also developing its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter programme. Any potential Su-57 cooperation would therefore have to be considered alongside India’s domestic aerospace development objectives. Russia has previously linked its proposed technology cooperation to India’s own fifth-generation fighter programme.
India has not, however, formally announced a final decision to acquire or jointly manufacture the Su-57. Therefore, claims that New Delhi has already chosen the Russian aircraft over the F-35 would be premature.
Developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, the Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to conduct missions against air and ground targets.
The aircraft incorporates low-observable or stealth-related design features, along with advanced avionics, sensors and electronic-warfare capabilities.
The Su-57 is designed for operations during both day and night and under adverse weather and electronic-warfare conditions. The Su-57E is the export variant of the aircraft.
For India, the major questions surrounding any potential Su-57 production programme would include the depth of technology transfer, the extent of local manufacturing, overall cost and integration with Indian weapons and systems.
For now, the clearest position is that HAL says it is prepared to manufacture the Su-57 in India if the government approves the proposal, while Russia has offered joint production and technology cooperation.
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