IAF Su-57: India is working on its own fifth generation fighter jet called the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. This jet, also known as AMCA, is still many years away. It may take around 10 more years before it is ready. Because of this long wait, India is now thinking about buying a fighter jet as a temporary solution.
One of the main options being looked at is Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57. This aircraft was shown at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. The United States also displayed its F-35 Lightning II at the same event. Both countries are trying to interest India in their advanced jets.
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Russia has offered more than just selling the Su-57. It has suggested joint production in India and transfer of technology. The United States, on the other hand, has offered the F-35 to improve defence ties with India. But there are some limits with the US offer. Reports say that American rules may not allow full integration of Indian weapons on the F-35.
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The reason behind this urgent thinking is China’s fast growing air force. China already has the Chengdu J-20 in service. It is also working with the Shenyang J-35. There are reports that China has offered to sell 40 J-35 jets to Pakistan. If this deal happens, it could create more pressure on the Indian Air Force, which is already short of fighter squadrons.
According to a report by The Tribune, officials from the defence ministry and the Indian Air Force have discussed the need to quickly get a fifth generation jet. However, there has been no official public announcement yet. Sources say India may lean toward the Russian jet because India has long experience using Russian aircraft. The IAF already operates the Su-30, so working with Russia may be easier.
A source quoted by The Tribune said, “We are yet to start negotiations with the Russians; that will happen once IAF teams take a deep dive into what all is on offer.”
Russia Pushes for Joint Production
In January, a senior Russian aerospace official said that India and Russia were having technical talks about producing the Su-57E in India. The export version of the aircraft is called Su-57E.
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Vadim Badekha, CEO of United Aircraft Corporation, said both countries are discussing “the licensed production of the Su-57 fighters in India at the facilities currently used to produce the Su-30 aircraft, and the maximum use of Indian industry and Indian systems in this aircraft.” This means Russia is open to building the jets in India and using Indian parts and systems.
Alexander Mikheev, head of Rosoboronexport had also said that Russia is offering not only to sell the Su-57E jets but also to help India produce them in the country. He added that Russia is ready to assist India in developing the AMCA project as well.
