Following recent statements by Rosoboronexport (Russia’s official arms export corporation) confirming international orders for the Su-57 stealth fighter, internal sources suggest that India is among the undisclosed buyers, joining nations such as Algeria and Iran.
Although India’s Defense Ministry has yet to issue a public statement, this quiet acquisition is consistent with reports from early 2026 indicating that talks for domestic manufacturing of the aircraft had entered a mature engineering phase.
This strategic decision highlights the pressing need for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to counter the rapid military modernizations of its regional neighbors.
Preliminary reports hint that India is considering the immediate purchase of approximately 40 fully assembled Su-57s.
This rapid acquisition aims to rapidly introduce fifth-generation stealth technology into the IAF fleet before establishing larger scale manufacturing facilities on Indian soil.
Open source defense monitors note that this is an especially critical move given the planned timeline for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which is not expected to be fully operational until around 2040.
Defense experts report that the Ministry is following a multi-step procurement strategy.
The first phase involves the purchase of standard, ready-to-use Su-57s directly from Moscow. This will be followed by a comprehensive agreement to build the highly upgraded Su-57M1 variant under license in India once it is cleared for overseas sales.
This roadmap closely resembles the successful integration of the Su-30 fleet approximately two decades ago. At that time, India first imported the basic Su-30MK to train pilots and technicians, which later paved the way for domestic production of the far superior Su-30MKI.
Replicating this model ensures that the IAF can deploy advanced aircraft rapidly while gradually building the necessary national support and maintenance infrastructure.
Even the current export version of the Su-57 will immediately become the most advanced asset in the IAF inventory. The aircraft offers profound improvements in radar evasion, integrated sensor networks and long-range missile combat.
Securing these aircraft in advance will provide Indian pilots and engineering teams with valuable hands-on experience ahead of the arrival of the more sophisticated M1 models.
The ultimate goal of this initiative is the mass adoption of the Su-57M1, a highly modernized version that features significant improvements to its engines, electronics, and body design.
A highlight of the M1 variant is the latest generation AL-51F-1 engine. Recent technical disclosures reveal that this new engine offers significantly greater thrust, reduced fuel consumption and reduced overall maintenance needs compared to older AL-41F1 engines.
Experts project that this new engine will give the Su-57M1 a thrust-weight advantage over older stealth fighters like the US F-22, while closely rivaling China’s J-20.
Additionally, the new engine features specialized exhaust designs, such as serrated flaps or 2D thrust vectoring nozzles, specifically intended to further mask the aircraft from enemy thermal and radar tracking.
Beyond engine power, the Su-57M1 features an aerodynamic structure that improves supersonic stability and increases aerodynamic lift. Its flatter profile and hidden internal weapons compartments are designed to increase its stealth capabilities.
Additionally, the aircraft will be equipped with a suite of advanced sensors to replace its older radar systems, giving it superior ability to detect targets from afar and resist electronic jamming.
Adding the Su-57, and eventually the Su-57M1, to the IAF would dramatically change the balance of air superiority in South Asia.
For India, it serves as a necessary counterweight to China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which is rapidly expanding its J-20 stealth fighter squadrons.
At the same time, the aircraft would give India an overwhelming technological advantage over Pakistan’s frontline aircraft, such as its recently acquired J-10C fleet.
Armed with top-notch stealth and speed, the IAF would be highly capable of executing deep penetration strikes and commanding airspace in future conflicts.
What makes this potential agreement truly transformative is the possibility of deep technological exchange.
The Su-57M1 is expected to be the basis of a unique Indian model, customized with indigenous software, weapons and radar systems.
Open source tracking suggests this could even include modifying the fuselage to a two-seat configuration designed specifically for the IAF’s unique tactical requirements.
Russian authorities have reportedly made highly unusual offers to secure this partnership, including transferring the plane’s full source code by mid-2025.
Later that year, officials even suggested a fully joint development program. An unprecedented level of cooperation would give India significant ownership over the technology, aligning perfectly with the nation’s broader goal of self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
If these reports are officially verified, the acquisition of the Su-57 will act as a massive leap in combat power and a crucial interim measure.
As India constantly works to perfect its indigenous fifth-generation platforms, the Su-57 (especially the upcoming M1 variant) promises to keep the IAF fiercely competitive on the modern battlefield for decades to come.
