DefenseRussia-India talks on Su-57 production advance, UAC says
Russia and India are holding advanced technical discussions on the potential joint production of the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter in India, according to senior officials from Russia’s aerospace industry.
Vadim Badekha, chief executive of United Aircraft Corporation, said to The Times of India that the talks have reached an advanced stage of technical consultations and include the possibility of licensed production of the export variant, the Su-57E. Speaking on the sidelines of the Wings India air show in Hyderabad, Badekha said such contracts typically shape industrial cooperation for decades.
According to Russian officials, one option under discussion would see Su-57 aircraft produced at Indian facilities currently used for the manufacture of Su-30MKI fighters, with extensive involvement of Indian industry and systems.
India previously withdrew from the bilateral FGFA program based on the Su-57, and there has been no official confirmation from the Indian government regarding the latest talks.
Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport has separately stated that it is offering India both the supply of Su-57E fighters and the establishment of a local production line, alongside support for India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program. Those comments were reported by Russian state media.
UAC has said it aims to localize the production of aircraft components and systems in India, with the possibility of supplying parts back to Russia.
The talks are taking place as India weighs several parallel fighter programs. New Delhi is in negotiations for a large follow-on purchase of the Dassault Rafale, is continuing upgrades to the indigenous Tejas Mk1, and is pressing ahead with the development of a domestically designed fifth-generation fighter. That program is not expected to enter service until the mid-2030s, leaving interim capability decisions under active consideration.
The Su-57 is Russia’s fifth-generation fighter and is produced in limited numbers for the Russian Aerospace Forces. The aircraft has been promoted internationally in recent years, but India has not indicated whether the current talks will lead to a formal procurement or production agreement.
About the Author
Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
