Moscow Seeks Indian Partnership for Su-57E With Local Assembly Option — Russia has presented India with a broad Su-57E fighter proposal combining aircraft procurement, domestic manufacturing and technology cooperation. One option reportedly involves local assembly and production of approximately 100 fighters, drawing on infrastructure and expertise developed through India’s Su-30MKI programme. The proposed cooperation could allow Indian weapons, sensors and future GaN-based AESA radars to be integrated into the aircraft. Russia has also discussed direct deliveries of smaller batches to provide an interim fifth-generation capability. However, India has not shown strong interest in an immediate large-scale commitment. Its priorities include modernising existing aircraft, addressing squadron shortages through selective foreign purchases and developing the indigenous AMCA. The proposal therefore faces the challenge of aligning Russian offers with India’s long-term aerospace self-reliance objectives.
