Citing informed sources, India's Business Today reported on 23/9 that the Indian Air Force is considering acquiring at least two regiments of the Russian-made Su-57 stealth fighter. Each regiment consists of approximately 18 aircraft.

The Indian Air Force is also exploring a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia's Sukhoi to manufacture three to five squadrons of Su-57s in India, similar to previous MiG and Su-30MKI fighter production projects.

Sources indicate that the plan is in its early stages and separate from the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRFA) program, currently evaluating options like France's Dassault Rafale.

Indian officials have not commented on the report.

A Russian Su-57 fighter performs at the opening day of Aero India 2025 on 10/2. Photo: AFP

Indian media suggest the Su-57 meets many of the country's operational needs, particularly after Operation Sindoor during the May conflict with Pakistan.

An Indian official noted that the US and Russia are the only two friendly nations possessing 5th-generation fighters. "The F-35 is more advanced and stealthier, but Washington won't agree to a 'Make in India' deal. Moscow, however, has offered this option," the official said.

In March, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov confirmed Moscow's advantageous offer to New Delhi regarding the Su-57. "We're not just selling, but offering co-production, technology sharing, infrastructure development, and configuration flexibility. This is a very beneficial deal for India," he said.

Russia's first 5th-generation fighter, the Su-57, is designed to compete with the American F-22 and F-35, and China's J-20. It features radar-absorbent materials and a design optimized for stealth against electronic surveillance.

The Russian Ministry of Defense ordered 76 Su-57s and has received almost half. Russia deployed the Su-57 to Syria twice, in late 2018 and December 2019, for operational testing.

The Su-57 entered combat in Ukraine two to three weeks after the conflict began. The Russian Air Force has also tested various air-to-ground weapons developed for it, including the Kh-69 tactical cruise missile, described by Ukrainian media as "more fearsome than the Kinzhal hypersonic missile".

Algeria became the first export customer for the Su-57E variant earlier this year. Algerian national television reported in February that its pilots are training on the Su-57 in Russia.

The Su-57E export version differs from the domestic Russian aircraft, including the identification friend or foe (IFF) system. Sukhoi can also modify the control software to display Western standard parameters, add English labeling in the cockpit, and integrate non-Russian weapons upon customer request.

Nguyen Tien (According to Business Today, AP, RT)