After the recent conflict with Pakistan, there is a growing need to induct fifth-generation fighter jets to boost India’s aerial strength. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave approval to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. However, top military leadership is considering the option of inducting fifth-generation jets from other countries until the AMCA is ready. Both Russia and the United States have offered their fifth-gen jets to India.
Recently, Russia has reportedly once again offered India its most advanced export-grade fifth-generation fighter, the Su-57E, along with complete access to the source code. The development came amid reports of China providing two squadrons of its fifth-generation jet J-35 to Pakistan by the end of this year.
According to sources within Rostec, Russia’s state-owned defense giant, a new proposal has been presented to India with a focus on extensive localisation, reported moneycontrol.
Rostec’s offer is in line with India’s ‘Make-in-India’ vision and includes the promise of deeper technology integration and support for indigenous defence capabilities.
The export version of Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-57E, presented to India is expected to be equipped with advanced systems tailored to India’s Super-30 upgrade program. This includes a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based AESA radar and an Indian-made mission computer.
Importantly, Russia is open to India customising the aircraft by providing the source code and facilitating technology transfer, reported the media house. It could also be seen as a boost to India’s AMCA, as the manufacturing of Su-57E jets would enable collaboration with Indian firms, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and selected private players. It will give experience to Indian companies in the development of the indigenous AMCA, which is expected to be inducted by 2035.
For the unversed, the HAL facility in Nashik, which already has experience in producing over 220 Su-30MKI aircraft, has been proposed as the production hub for the Su-57E because of its existing infrastructure and cost-effectiveness.
Also Read: What Is AMCA? India’s 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Jet Programme Gets Green Signal – Know Key Features
The integration of the Su-57E with India’s upgraded Su-30MKI fleet will aim to deliver operational synergy by allowing the use of Indian-made air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. The offer is tailored to India’s broader goal of strengthening self-reliance in the defence sector.
As per reports, Russia has also offered to deliver 20–30 Su-57E fighters directly to India, which will help India immediately acquire fifth-generation combat capability. Meanwhile, full localisation, including integration of Indian systems, is expected to take three to four years.
About Su-57E:
Su-57E is the export version of the Su-57, a twin-engine stealth multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi.
Here are the key features of Su-57E:
Stealth Design
• Shaped for Low Observability: Features radar-absorbing materials and a stealth-optimized airframe to reduce radar cross-section.
• Internal Weapon Bays: Designed to carry weapons internally to minimize radar signature.
Advanced Avionics & Sensors
• AESA Radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array)
Export variant likely includes a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based AESA radar for superior detection range, electronic warfare, and multi-target tracking.
• Infrared Search and Track (IRST)
Passive target tracking system, useful in electronic warfare-denied environments.
• Electronic Warfare Suite
Integrated systems for radar jamming, spoofing, and threat detection.
Supermaneuverability
• 3D Thrust Vectoring Nozzles
Enables extreme agility, allowing high angle-of-attack maneuvers not possible for most Western fifth-gen fighters.
• High Lift-to-Drag Ratio
Allows better control in dogfights and high-altitude performance.
High-Speed & Supercruise
• Top Speed: Approx. Mach 2
• Supercruise Capability: Sustained supersonic flight without afterburners (limited compared to F-22 but notable).
Multirole Combat Capabilities
• Air-to-Air & Air-to-Ground Operations
Can deploy a wide array of weapons including beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles and precision-guided munitions.
• Internal and External Hardpoints
For stealth missions (internal) and heavy-load or non-stealth roles (external).
Situational Awareness
• 360° Sensor Coverage
Fused data from multiple radar and optical sensors for all-around awareness.
• Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) & Advanced Cockpit
Allows the pilot to lock and fire by simply looking at the target.
Open Architecture & Customization
• Modular Avionics Suite
Export-friendly design allows integration of indigenous systems, such as mission computers and weapons.
• India-specific Modifications
Potential access to source codes, enabling deep customization and integration with Indian-made weaponry and avionics.
Range & Endurance
• Combat Radius: Estimated 1,500–1,800 km
• Ferry Range: Over 3,500 km with drop tanks
Cost of Su-57E:
As per reports, the expected cost of this fighter jet will be between $35 million to $50 million.
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