Russia has presented India with a significant defense proposition: two advanced stealth fighter jets, the Su-57 and the developmental Su-75. This offer, coinciding with President Putin’s upcoming visit, signals a strategic push in defense cooperation. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly eyeing these aircraft to address its pressing need for modern fighter jets. The Su-57, already operational, and the yet-to-be-finalized Su-75, represent Russia’s latest in aerial combat technology.
Russia is touting the Su-75 as the world’s most economical fifth-generation stealth fighter, with an estimated price tag between $30 and $35 million. This new aircraft boasts impressive specifications, including a top speed of Mach 1.8, a 3,000 km range, and a service ceiling of 54,000 feet. Its capacity for internal weapon carriage is a critical feature for maintaining its stealth profile during combat operations.
The cornerstone of Russia’s offer is the potential for indigenous production in India. This arrangement would empower Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) not only to manufacture these advanced jets domestically but also to establish them as export platforms for markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Furthermore, Russia has committed to transferring crucial technologies, such as stealth design principles, AI-driven cockpit systems, advanced sensor fusion, and next-generation network-centric warfare capabilities – technologies often withheld by Western nations.
HAL has expressed an openness to joint development with Russia, though the specific fighter jet involved remains to be confirmed. Officials have highlighted a comfortable working relationship with Russia, drawing on past successful collaborations in assembling aircraft like the MiG-21, MiG-27, and Su-30MKI. Such a partnership could grant India full intellectual property rights, bolstering self-reliance and providing a shield against potential import restrictions or geopolitical pressures from other global powers.
Experts believe local Su-75 production could yield economic advantages akin to the BrahMos missile program, potentially generating substantial export revenue without impeding indigenous projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). While the Su-75 is a lighter, single-engine stealth fighter, and the AMCA is a twin-engine, medium-weight counterpart, they fulfill distinct operational roles. The cost-effective domestic manufacturing of the Su-75 could swiftly meet immediate fighter demands.
Russia emphasizes that the Su-75 will be available at an exceptionally low cost for a fifth-generation fighter. It is expected to feature advanced components, including a supercruise-capable engine and avionics derived from the Su-57, along with fully internal weapon bays, ensuring stealth performance remains paramount. The Su-57 itself is a proven multirole fighter, excelling in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Its sophisticated stealth features, including radar-absorbent materials and internal weapon storage, enable long-range, undetected engagement.
Analysts note that the Su-57 possesses unique capabilities for Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD) missions, potentially surpassing those of aircraft like the F-35 or China’s J-20. This capacity to neutralize enemy air defense systems makes it a highly valuable asset for the Indian Air Force. As India grapples with an urgent need to modernize its air fleet, the decision between acquiring Russian stealth fighters and continuing talks for Western aircraft, such as additional Rafale jets, represents a critical strategic juncture in the near future.