India and Russia are in talks about the possible production of Russia’s Su-57 fifthgeneration fighter jet in India. This comes at a time when global trade tensions and shifting geopolitics are forcing nations to rethink defense strategies.

The Su-57 is Russia’s most advanced stealth fighter and a strong competitor to the American F-35. India has already said it needs at least two to three squadrons of fifthgeneration fighter jets. Producing the Su-57 in India could be a major step in filling this gap while also strengthening India’s defense industry.

In this article, we explain how the Su-57 discussions fit into India’s defense needs, the role of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), how this relates to India’s own fighter jet program, and what it means for global geopolitics.

Why India Needs Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets

India’s air force is facing pressure to modernize quickly. Neighbouring countries are investing in advanced air power, and India does not want to fall behind. Fifth-generation fighters are critical for stealth, speed, and advanced combat technology.

The Su-57 offers stealth design, high maneuverability, supercruise, and modern avionics. Producing it in India could provide a cost-effective solution compared to buying foreign aircraft directly.

At the same time, the U.S. is promoting its F-35 to India. This creates competition between Washington and Moscow for one of the world’s largest defense markets.

HAL: The Backbone of Fighter Jet Manufacturing

One reason Su-57 production in India looks possible is India’s existing experience with Russian aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) already produces Su-30MKI fighters under license from Russia at its Nashik facility.

This gives India skilled workers, established processes, and infrastructure that could be adapted for Su-57 production. Other Indian factories that handle Russian-origin defense equipment could also contribute.

Local production would reduce costs, support the “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, and create more high-skilled jobs in the defense sector.

Reviving the Old FGFA Project

India has looked at the Su-57 before. It was part of the joint Russian-Indian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program more than a decade ago. But India left the project due to concerns about cost, delays, and technology transfer.

Today, the global environment has changed. With new geopolitical challenges, India is rethinking its options. Russia is encouraging India to return to the Su-57 program, this time with stronger promises of technology sharing and local manufacturing.

Reviving this partnership would mark a fresh phase in India-Russia defense ties.

U.S. Pressure and the F-35 Option

While Russia pushes the Su-57, the United States is lobbying hard for India to buy the F-35 Lightning II. The U.S. sees India as a key player in its Indo-Pacific strategy and wants closer defense cooperation.

But India has always been careful not to depend too heavily on one country. It has bought U.S. drones and helicopters but has been slower to commit to U.S. fighter jets.

The choice between the Su-57 and the F-35 is not just about technology. It also reflects India’s foreign policy strategy balancing relationships with both Washington and Moscow.

Air Defense Systems: The Bigger Picture

The fighter jet talks are part of broader India-Russia defense discussions. India is already buying the Russian S-400 air defense system and has also shown interest in the advanced S-500.

Adding these systems to its arsenal would give India strong multi-layered defense capabilities. This would complement a modern fighter fleet and make India’s airspace more secure.

India’s Own Fifth-Generation Fighter Plans

India is not only looking at imports. It is also developing its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The project was cleared in 2022.

The first prototype is expected to fly by 2028, and the aircraft could be ready for service around 2035. However, this is a long-term project. Until then, India needs an interim solution to maintain its edge in the region.

This is where the Su-57 could play an important role filling the gap until the AMCA is ready.

Geopolitics: Why the Timing Matters

The Su-57 talks are happening during major global shifts. U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration strained trade relations with India, while Russia is looking for strong defense partners as it faces Western sanctions.

India and Russia have a long history of defense ties. From tanks to submarines, Russia has been a reliable partner. The Su-57 project could renew this trust and show that the partnership is still central to India’s defense strategy.

Economic and Industrial Benefits

Producing Su-57s in India would not only meet defense needs but also bring economic benefits. Local manufacturing would attract large investments, create jobs, and strengthen India’s aerospace supply chain.

It could also boost India’s defense exports. If allowed, Indian-made Su-57s could be sold to other countries, putting India on the map as a serious defense exporter.

A Balancing Act for India

The talks on producing the Su-57 in India highlight the choices facing New Delhi. India must balance its partnerships with Russia and the U.S., while also building its own defense capabilities.

The Su-57, the F-35, and India’s AMCA project represent three paths for the future: partnership, competition, and self-reliance.

If India decides to produce the Su-57, it would accelerate the modernization of its air force and show its ability to shape global defense trends. At the same time, it would remind the world that India values autonomy and strategic balance above all.