St.Petersburg, June 6: Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered India the opportunity to jointly produce the fifth generation Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet, reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to expanding defence cooperation with New Delhi.
Speaking during an interaction with leading global news agencies in St. Petersburg, Putin said Russia remains open to collaborating with India on the advanced combat aircraft programme without any restrictions.
Su-57 Fighter Jet Offer Strengthens India Russia Defence Ties
Putin said Russia had earlier proposed joint development of the Su-57 with India and continues to support deeper cooperation in the project.
He described the Su-57 as one of the most advanced fifth generation fighter aircraft currently available and said Russia was willing to jointly develop and manufacture the platform with India.
The proposal comes as India advances its indigenous Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft programme, which is expected to become the country’s flagship fifth generation fighter project. However, the AMCA is unlikely to enter service before 2035.
Reports indicate that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited remains in contact with Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau regarding potential cooperation on the aircraft.
India and Russia had previously discussed a joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft programme for nearly 15 years. India eventually opted out of the project in 2021 due to concerns over cost, which was estimated at around USD 30 billion.
Putin also expressed Russia’s willingness to cooperate with India on advanced air defence systems and related military technologies.
India currently operates the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system under a USD 5 billion agreement signed in 2018. Four units have already been delivered, while the fifth is pending.
The Russian President’s remarks come amid India’s efforts to diversify defence procurement and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities while maintaining long-standing strategic ties with Moscow.
Responding to the development, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and Russia continue to share strong defence relations, while specific details on the Su-57 proposal would be addressed by the Ministry of Defence.
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