Russia Su-57: India is currently considering two of the most advanced stealth fighter jets for its air force. In recent weeks, both Russia and the United States have offered their top fighter jets to India. Russia has proposed the Sukhoi Su-57E, while the U.S., during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, offered the F-35 II Lightning through President Donald Trump.
Denis Alipov, Russia’s ambassador to India, recently spoke about the Su-57E at the India Today Conclave 2025. He called it the best fighter jet in the world and said Russia is ready to sell it to India. Not only that, but Russia is also willing to help India build the jets locally.
According to ET, Alipov said, “We’re offering our own fifth-generation fighter. We have the best machine—the Su-57. We showed it at Aero India last month in Bangalore, and it was the star of the show. It’s very competitive. We’re not just offering to sell it but to co-produce it. We’re ready to share technology and help set up the necessary facilities in India. We’re even open to making changes to the jet’s design. This is a very attractive deal for India.”
Alipov made these comments when asked how Russia would respond to the U.S. offer of the F-35 stealth fighter. During Aero India 2025, Rosoboronexport, Russia’s defense export agency, also said it was ready to work with India on the Su-57E. However, neither the Indian Air Force nor the Indian government has commented on this offer yet. Similarly, the U.S. offer of the F-35 remains just an offer, with no clear progress so far.
India’s Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter Jet Development
India is also working on its own fifth-generation stealth fighter jet called the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed a full-scale model of this 5.5-generation jet at Aero India 2025. India decided to build its own stealth fighter after pulling out of a joint project with Russia in 2018.
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The two countries had started working together in 2010 to develop a fifth-generation fighter jet. The project involved Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, Rosoboronexport, and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
India however left the project due to disagreements over technology sharing, costs, and concerns about the jet’s stealth and combat capabilities. Now, India is focusing on developing its own advanced fighter jet, the AMCA, while also considering offers from Russia and the U.S. for their stealth fighters. The decision will depend on which offer aligns best with India’s needs and goals for its air force.
