India’s Potential Acquisition of Russian Su-57 Fighter Jet Gathers Momentum

India is awaiting a quotation from Russia regarding investment to be made into the Su-57 stealth fighter project, according to the Chairman of India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), D.K. Sunil.

“I think presentations have been made regarding the Su-57 to the Indian Air Force Team by the Russian team regarding the capabilities of the aircraft. We are awaiting the Russian quotation about the investment. Then we will approach the Air Force that these are the kind of numbers required to produce these aircraft and these are the timelines.”, the HAL Chairman told the media on April 3.

Following the presentation of the Su-57 at the Aero India 2025 and later at the Dubai Air Show the same year, interest in the Su-57 has increased in India as the possible (and only) option to acquire a fifth generation fighter in the foreseeable future.

Su-57 performance during Ukraine War

What may have ignited Indian interest in the Su-57 is its performance in the Ukraine war. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has emphasized its radar-evading  capability with the ability to launch air-to-ground weapons from its internal bay.

Russia to share source code of Su-57 with India

The Russian government has also offered to share the “source code” or full technical details of its AESA radar and electronics suite which will enable the Indian side to mount India-made weapons on the aircraft.  Previous experience with the Astra air-to-air and the BrahMos air-to-ground missiles on the Su-30MKI has enabled the Indian Air Force to acquire complex air power at a fraction of the cost of Western missiles. The Brahmos missile was used with devastating effect during Operation “Sindhoor” against Pakistan in 2025.

India's indigenous weapons on the Su-57

With India making the development of indigenous weapons a cornerstone of defence preparedness, it is quite likely that in future India will develop its own long range air-to-air missiles besides high speed air-to-ground missiles capable of being operated from the internal weapons bay of the Su-57.

Powerful article 177 engine

The UEC announced in December 2025 that the Su-57 has commenced flight testing  with the new Article 177 engine. This new engine delivers 16,000 kgf of afterburning thrust, compared to 14.500 kgf  thrust of the AL41F1 engine currently being used in the Su-57 as well as the Su-35.  The new engine also features reduced fuel consumption in all operating modes and increased service life. This is the engine that should tilt the argument in favor of the Su-57 as compared to any other fighter jet the Indian Air Force should be considering.