India and Russia are engaged in discussions regarding the joint production of the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, according to Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov. This development was revealed in an interview with TASS on Thursday, November 20, 2025, and precedes Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India in December.
Alipov stated that "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 emphasized Russia's competitive edge, highlighting an "unprecedented level of technology transfer and localization of production, in line with the 'Make in India' and 'Self-Reliant India' initiatives".
Sergey Chemezov, CEO of the Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec, speaking at the Dubai Air Show 2025, affirmed Russia's commitment to supporting India's defense requirements, stating that Moscow would provide "whatever India requires". He highlighted the longstanding defense partnership between the two countries, even during times when India faced sanctions. Chemezov also noted that Russia continues to supply India with critical military equipment despite global geopolitical tensions.
A senior representative from Rosoboronexport, Russia's state weapons exporter, presented the Su-57's capabilities to Indian media at the Dubai Airshow. The Su-57, a stealth-equipped aircraft, is designed to counter both fourth and fifth-generation aircraft. The offer includes the production of Su-57 aircraft in Russia and a gradual transfer of production to India, along with licensing for air weapons integration. Technology transfer for critical components like engines, optics, AESA radar, AI elements, low-signature technologies, and modern air weapons is also part of the proposal, potentially including a two-seat Su-57 variant for joint development.
The potential joint production of the Su-57 aims to bolster India's air combat capabilities and support its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This collaboration builds upon decades of defense cooperation between India and Russia, characterized by "reliable and transparent" technology transfer.
In addition to fighter jet cooperation, India and Russia are also exploring enhanced naval partnerships and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the Russian president and chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia, met with Indian officials to discuss joint exercises, military-technical cooperation, and strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Russia has also proposed assisting India in shipbuilding, including providing designs for various types of vessels. The India-Russia annual summit on December 5 is expected to further strengthen bilateral naval cooperation.
Notably, Russia has offered unrestricted technology transfer for the Su-57, deeming all demands from the Indian side as "completely acceptable". This includes production and licensing for critical components, ensuring domestic manufacturing capabilities and long-term upgrades.
While the cost of the Su-57 is estimated to range from $35-50 million, local production could potentially increase it to $60-75 million; this remains cheaper than the US-made F-35. As a comparison, the F-22 costs around $227 million, and the F-35 around $100 million per unit.
These discussions signal a deepening of the strategic partnership between India and Russia, with a focus on defense cooperation, technology transfer, and joint projects that align with India's "Make in India" and "Self-Reliant India" initiatives.
