The idea of building Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, that is the Sukhoi Su-57, in India has been gathering a lot of attention off late. Although Russia has put forward some strong proposals, no final decision has been made as of now.
News agency ANI, citing Defence sources, says that Moscow is studying possible investment plans to make the Su-57 in India. The news is of extreme significance, especially after PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s recent closeness at the SCO Summit in China. The pictures of these two leaders hugging, have gone viral and at the same time sent out a strong message to Trump’s America amid the tariff pressure on Indian goods.
India has been looking forward to add at least two to three squadrons of advanced fighter aircraft, with Russia’s Su-57 and America’s F-35 being the main contenders.
HAL – A possible manufacturing hub
The defence sources told ANI that Russian agencies are currently reviewing how much investment would be needed to make Su-57s in India. If their investment plan gets a go ahead, then the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) could become a key site for Su-57 production. HAL already produces the Russian-origin Su-30 MKI in Nashik.
Global context and strategic timing
These discussions are taking place at a sensitive time. The US has imposed heavy tariffs on Indian goods – 50% on goods across sectors, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil as the reason behind this move. Despite this, New Delhi is strengthening its defence and trade ties with Moscow, and the Su-57 project could add another layer to this partnership.
Russia’s current investments in India
Other Indian facilities that currently make Russian-origin equipment may also be used for the fighter jet project. This could help reduce costs and speed up production if India decides to manufacture the aircraft locally.
Joint ventures and local manufacturing
BrahMos Aerospace: BrahMos is a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. It makes the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with factories in Nagpur and other locations. Since its beginning in 1998, the project has seen billions in investments. In 2025, the work still continues on new air-launched and hypersonic versions.
‘Make in Amethi’ AK-203 rifles: The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is a joint venture set up to make AK-203 rifles, called ‘Sher’ in India, at a factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. Under a contract worth Rs 5,200 crore, the company will provide more than six lakh rifles to the Indian armed forces. IRRPL chief Maj Gen SK Sharma had earlier said that the deliveries are planned to be completed by December 2030.
Ka-226T Helicopters: In 2015, India and Russia agreed to produce 200 Ka-226T light utility helicopters. Of these, 60 were to be made in Russia and 140 in India, under a joint project between HAL and Russian Helicopters. Valued at about $1 billion, it includes Russian funding to set up production facilities in India. However, the project has faced delays.
New deals and technology sharing
T-72 Tank Engines: India signed a deal with Russia in March this year for advanced 1,000 HP engines for its T-72 tanks. The agreement includes technology transfer so that India can produce the engines locally, most likely at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi. Though exact figures are not public, these kinds of agreements usually involve Russian investment in technology sharing and training, running into hundreds of crores.
S-400 and S-500 Air Defense Systems: India’s $5.5 billion deal for five S-400 missile defense systems, signed in 2018, is still being delivered this year. Russia has invested in after-sales support and local spare-parts production in India. Talks are also ongoing for fresh S-500 system, which could involve local manufacturing, that would require fresh Russian capital investment.