Russia signals support for India’s air combat needs: Offers Su-57 fighter tech transfer; calls New Delhi’s demands ‘acceptable’

NEW DELHI: Russia has expressed its readiness to support India’s future fighter aircraft needs, offering unrestricted technology transfer for the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, with all demands from the Indian side described as “completely acceptable,” reported ANI citing officials.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Dubai air show 2025, Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Russian defence conglomerate Rostec, highlighted the long-standing defence partnership, saying, "India and Russia have been partners for many years. Even when India was under sanctions, we supplied the country with weapons to ensure its security."




He added, "today, we continue the same approach as in previous years, supplying India with whatever military equipment it needs and ensuring our mutual interests in developing cooperation."

Vadim Badekha, director general of united aircraft corporation (UAC), a Rostec subsidiary, confirmed that all technical demands from India regarding the Su-57 have been received positively and that the Russian side remains in close contact with Indian officials.

A senior Rosoboronexport representative said the offer includes both production of Su-57 aircraft in Russia and a gradual transfer of production to India, along with licensing for air weapons integration.

The proposal also covers “technology transfer” for engines, optics, AESA radar, AI elements, low-signature technologies, and modern air weapons. A two-seat Su-57 variant is also included under the potential joint development plan.

Officials underlined that the deal would allow India to manufacture critical components domestically without concerns over international sanctions, while providing scope for long-term upgrades through software and systems improvements. The move reinforces more than six decades of defence cooperation, which Russia described as “reliable and transparent” in technology transfer.

The announcement comes ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India next month. During his Moscow visit, external affairs minister S Jaishankar met with Putin, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, and attended the SCO heads of government summit.

Separately, Putin’s aide Nikolai Patrushev called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on November 18 to discuss maritime cooperation, shipbuilding, connectivity, skill development, and blue economy initiatives.
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