Is India looking to get 5th generation Su-57 fighter jets from Russia? Defence Secy says...

India is holding discussions with global defence partners, including Russia, to evaluate the possibility of acquiring fifth-generation fighter jets as an interim measure while its indigenous stealth fighter programme moves forward, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh recently said.

Singh, speaking to CNBC-TV18, declined to reveal specifics of the platforms under consideration but acknowledged that conversations were taking place at multiple levels. Among the key offers reportedly on the table is Russia’s Su-57 fighter jet, which Moscow has proposed for co-production with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with full technology transfer.

Responding to a direct question about the reported Russian offer, Singh said, “I’ve already made it clear that I won’t be offering a running commentary on what we’re doing. We’ll move forward, and when decisions are taken, you’ll come to know.”

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The Su-57 is Russia’s premier fifth-generation stealth fighter and was earlier considered under a now-shelved Indo-Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme. Renewed interest in the aircraft has emerged as India looks to bridge a critical capability gap in its airpower inventory.

India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, which recently received final approval to build prototypes, is expected to take about 10 years. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force continues to operate at a squadron strength of just 31, well below its sanctioned 42.5.

“As far as our steps in this regard are concerned, we are talking to our partners on the fifth-generation fighter aircraft programme. As of now, those discussions have not reached a stage where we can start sharing this with the media,” Singh said. “I don’t think we can do a blow-by-blow accounting of what we’re doing in these matters. These are sensitive negotiations. When they reach a tangible stage, be it an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), an RFP, or a final contract, that is when the media will come to know.”

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While Singh refrained from confirming whether formal proposals had been received from Russia, he hinted that early-level discussions may be happening through multiple channels.

“I don’t know, frankly, because some of this would take place at the service level. But again, I mean, let’s leave this topic,” he said when asked whether India had formally received proposals from Russia or the United States.

The Su-57 offer from Russia is viewed as geopolitically significant, especially in light of India’s continuing strategic defence ties with Moscow. Russia’s willingness to offer full technology transfer and joint production has sparked interest, particularly given HAL’s existing infrastructure for manufacturing the Su-30MKI fighter.

However, the final decision is expected to hinge on operational compatibility, timelines, and India’s evolving defence industrial strategy under the Make in India initiative.

Meanwhile, Singh confirmed that the AMCA programme has entered the early procurement stage, with an Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Information (RFI) already issued by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

“I would imagine it’ll take something between three to six months to, you know, reach the contract award stage. Thereafter, the project itself of development and of AMCA prototypes, you know, actually taking to the skies, it should be about a 10-year programme,” Singh said.