India and Russia are discussing the joint production of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 jet.
The development was revealed by Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov in an interview with TASS on Thursday.
“Intensive work is underway across a range of areas, including the Su-57E platform, which can be utilized to implement India’s program for developing its own fifth-generation fighter,” he said.
Alipov said Russia’s competitive advantage lies in an unprecedented level of technology transfer and localization of production, in line with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Self-Reliant India’ initiatives.
Russian state weapons exporter Rosoboronexport reportedly made a presentation about its functional capabilities to Indian media at the Dubai Airshow.
The jet, among the world’s few stealth-equipped aircraft, is designed to counter all fourth and fifth-generation aircraft, a senior Rosoboronexport official said.
Talks on technology transfer and cooperation come ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s India visit.
In October, defense officials of the two countries held a meeting to explore new areas for cooperation.
Earlier this year, the Su-57 performed at the largest airshow in Asia – Aero India – at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. Its primary competitor, the US Lockheed Martin F-35, also took part.
Russia has produced around 42 Su-57s and ordered 30 more. Its estimated cost ranges from $35-50 million, potentially $60-75 million with local production – which is still cheaper than the F-35.
Fifth-generation aircraft were pioneered by Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor. The F-22 costs around $227 million, and the F-35 around $100 million per unit, despite mass production.
“We are ready to provide any weaponry that India requires. We will maintain the same approach we have used in recent years to meet India’s demands regarding military equipment,” Sergey Chemezov, the CEO of Russian state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, said at the Dubai Airshow.
Chemezov did not comment on the talks with India on the Su-57.
India and Russia have indicated plans for deeper military cooperation, focusing on technology transfers for air, naval, and missile platforms.
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