Stories
Can Russia's Su-57 Fighter Jet Solve India's Fleet Shortage?
- •Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh revealed that Russia has offered its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to India, though no official acquisition decision has been made yet.
- •The consideration comes as the IAF grapples with a fighter fleet shortfall and potential delays in India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme.
- •Russian President Vladimir Putin previously expressed readiness to cooperate with India on the Su-57, praising its fifth-generation technology and offering joint development.
- •The Su-57 features low-observability across radar and infrared wavelengths, multirole combat capabilities, high manoeuvrability, internal weapons bays, and advanced integrated sensors.
- •Russia continues to evolve the platform with new engine developments like the Product 177 and is actively promoting the export version, known as the Su-57E, internationally.
Key Questions Answered
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh stated that Russia has offered its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to India, though no final decision has been made on acquiring the aircraft. He noted that the force may consider other options if delays impact India's indigenous AMCA program.
The Su-57 features low observability across radar, infrared, and visible wavelengths, multirole combat capability for air, ground, and sea targets, integrated avionics, and high manoeuvrability. It is equipped with internal weapons bays and made its first flight with the newer Product 177 engine in December 2025 to enhance thrust and performance.
The Su-57 offer is significant given the IAF's fighter fleet shortages and the development timeline of the domestic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. While the IAF aims to increase its inventory and address shortfalls, no official acquisition decision has been finalized yet.
