In a landmark development for India’s defense and manufacturing ambitions, Russia has offered to supply its state-of-the-art Sukhoi Su-57E stealth fighter to India—with full technology transfer. This is not just another arms deal; it’s a strategic breakthrough that aligns perfectly with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to strengthen indigenous defense capabilities while deepening India-Russia ties.

Unveiled at Aero India 2025, this bold proposal has captured global attention—and for good reason.

Why This Deal Is a Major Win for India

Russia isn’t just offering to sell India the Su-57E, the export version of its prized fifth-generation stealth fighter. It’s inviting India to co-produce the aircraft on Indian soil, with early deliveries and local assembly through firms like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

This means:

• Advanced stealth technology coming to India
• Massive job creation in aerospace manufacturing
• Long-term skill development and R&D growth

As Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport, put it:

“We are committed to deepening our partnership with India through the Su-57E.”

What Makes the Su-57E So Special?

The Su-57E is Russia’s crown jewel—a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter designed for both air superiority and strike missions. Built to rival the U.S. F-35, it brings together stealth, speed, agility, and advanced avionics.

Key Features:

• Stealth design for radar evasion
• Supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight)
• Next-gen avionics and AI-assisted systems
• Multirole mission capability including electronic warfare and ground attacks

At Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, the Su-57E made a dramatic entrance at Yelahanka Air Base on February 6. Russian pilot Sergey Bogdan wowed spectators with a thrilling aerial demo, while a VR simulator gave attendees a taste of flying the fighter themselves.

For NRIs watching from around the world, it was a proud moment—India is no longer just a buyer but a serious player in global defense.

India-Russia Ties: A Legacy Strengthened

India and Russia share a deep defense partnership that spans decades. From MiG and Sukhoi jets to T-90 tanks and S-400 air defense systems, Russian platforms form the backbone of India’s armed forces.

Vadim Badekha, CEO of United Aircraft Corporation, reinforced this sentiment:

“India is a trusted, long-term partner. We are ready to build the future together.”

The buzz on X (formerly Twitter) reflected strong support, with users calling it a “historic opportunity” and a “Make in India milestone.”

Make in India Gets a Supersonic Boost

Unlike deals from countries that restrict technology sharing—(we see you, U.S. F-35)—Russia is offering full tech transfer. That means India can:

• Manufacture the Su-57E domestically
• Gain valuable know-how in stealth aircraft design
• Accelerate its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project

This isn’t just about importing hardware—it’s about exporting innovation in the future.

For the Indian diaspora, it’s a source of immense pride: India is becoming a global defense innovator, not just a market.

What It Means for India’s National Security

With mounting regional threats, particularly from China’s expanding stealth fleet, the Su-57E could become a force multiplier for India’s air force.

While some reports on X claim that India has already signed for 42 jets, official confirmation is still pending. Regardless, the offer itself signals:

• Russia’s confidence in India as a strategic partner
• India’s rising influence in defense geopolitics
• A clear move toward self-reliance in critical defense tech

Global Eyes on India

Russia’s Su-57E has generated buzz not just in India, but across the international defense community. At Aero India 2025, Rosoboronexport signed multiple deals, with India being the potential centerpiece.

If India goes ahead, it could:

• Influence other nations to follow suit
• Cement its status as a regional and global defense hub
• Shape the future of stealth fighter exports

For NRIs, it’s a signal that India is stepping up as a technological and military leader in the Indo-Pacific region.

Final Thoughts

Russia’s offer of the Su-57E with full technology transfer isn’t just a defense deal—it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turbocharge India’s aerospace sector, create jobs, and deepen strategic alliances.

As talks move forward, one thing is clear: India is no longer just participating in the future of defense—it’s building it.

Stay with NRI Globe for continued coverage on this transformative story and other updates that matter to Indians across the globe.