The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently faces a critical capability gap in fifth-generation fighter aircraft as regional adversaries deploy advanced stealth platforms while India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) remains years away from production. The Russian Su-57E presents a potential interim solution that could address this immediate requirement while providing strategic advantages in technology transfer, cost-effectiveness, and manufacturing capabilities. This analysis examines whether the Su-57E can serve as an effective stopgap arrangement for the IAF until the AMCA achieves full production capability.
The IAF operates in an increasingly challenging security environment where advanced fifth-generation fighters are becoming operational along India’s borders. China has deployed its J-20 stealth fighters at high-altitude bases in Tibet, with satellite imagery confirming the presence of six J-20 aircraft at Shigatse airport, located less than 150 kilometres from the Indian border in Sikkim . These deployments represent China’s most advanced operational fighter aircraft positioned within striking distance of Indian territory, creating a significant capability asymmetry.
Read- BrahMos-NG To Be Flight Tested By Middle of Next Year And Full Production To Start By Middle of 2027
The threat landscape has further intensified with Pakistan’s confirmed acquisition of up to 40 Chinese J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters, marking Pakistan as the first international operator of China’s newest stealth platform . Pakistani defence officials have confirmed that pilot training is already underway in China, with initial aircraft deliveries expected to begin as early as August 2025, fundamentally altering the regional air power balance . This development has prompted urgent consideration of India’s own fifth-generation fighter requirements, as the IAF currently lacks any operational stealth capability to counter these emerging threats.
Su-57E Capabilities And Technical Assessment
The Su-57E represents Russia’s export variant of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, incorporating advanced technologies specifically tailored for international customers. The aircraft features twin-engine configuration with AL-41F1 turbofan engines producing 14,500 kg of thrust each, enabling supersonic cruise capability and a maximum speed of Mach 2.0+ . The Su-57E’s operational specifications include a combat radius of approximately 1,500 kilometres, maximum take-off weight of 35,000 kg, and payload capacity of up to 10 tons across internal and external hard-points .
The aircraft’s stealth characteristics include reduced radar, infrared, and visual signatures achieved through internal weapons bays, radar-absorbing materials, and careful aerodynamic shaping . However, independent assessments suggest the Su-57’s radar cross-section goal ranges between 0.1 to 1 square meter, significantly larger than Western counterparts like the F-22 and F-35, which achieve radar cross-sections better than -40 dBsm . This indicates that while the Su-57E possesses stealth capabilities, they may not match the low-observable performance of leading Western designs.
Read- DRDO Working On 3 Variants of Kusha Air Defence Systems
Read- India’s Urgent Quest For Fifth Generation Stealth Fighter Aircraft
The Su-57E’s avionics suite includes the Sh121 AESA radar system, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and integrated sensor fusion designed to operate effectively in contested electromagnetic environments . The aircraft features 12 hard-points, including six internal positions that preserve stealth characteristics, allowing carriage of diverse munitions including air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and advanced weapons systems . The integration of artificial intelligence-assisted pilot support systems and network-centric warfare capabilities positions the Su-57E as a technologically advanced platform capable of modern combat operations.
Technology Transfer And Indigenous Manufacturing Potential
Russia’s Su-57E offer to India includes unprecedented technology transfer provisions that distinguish it from typical defence procurement deals. The proposal includes full access to the aircraft’s source code, enabling India to customise avionics, integrate indigenous weapons systems, and modify software according to specific operational requirements . This level of technological access is virtually unmatched in international fighter aircraft transactions and would provide India with significant autonomy in operating and upgrading the platform.
The manufacturing proposal centres on HAL’s Nashik facility, which has established expertise in producing Su-30MKI fighters and possesses the infrastructure necessary for advanced fighter production . The facility’s existing capabilities, combined with planned upgrades, could support Su-57E production while leveraging commonality with the Super-30 upgrade program for the Su-30MKI fleet . This approach would incorporate GaN-based AESA radar technology and Indian-developed mission computers, ensuring integration with indigenous systems and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
The technology transfer extends beyond manufacturing to include weapons integration capabilities, allowing the Su-57E to carry Indian-origin systems such as the Astra beyond-visual-range missile, Rudram anti-radiation missile, and precision-guided munitions . This integration capability aligns with India’s strategic autonomy objectives and could accelerate indigenous weapons development through real-world operational testing and validation on an advanced platform.
Cost Analysis And Economic Considerations
The Su-57E presents significant cost advantages compared to Western alternatives, with unit costs estimated between $35-40 million per aircraft, substantially lower than the F-35’s $80-110 million price tag . This cost differential becomes particularly important when considering large-scale procurement requirements, as acquiring 40-60 Su-57E aircraft would cost approximately $1.4-2.4 billion compared to $3.2-6.6 billion for equivalent F-35 numbers. The lower acquisition cost would allow the IAF to procure larger quantities within existing budget constraints, potentially addressing squadron strength requirements more effectively.
Operational and maintenance costs for the Su-57E are expected to be significantly lower than Western counterparts, particularly given India’s existing infrastructure for Russian aircraft maintenance and the established supply chain relationships . The commonality with Su-30MKI systems would further reduce training, maintenance, and logistics costs while leveraging existing pilot familiarity with Russian fighter aircraft systems and operational procedures.
The local production arrangement would generate substantial economic benefits through technology transfer, job creation, and industrial capability development. HAL’s involvement in Su-57E manufacturing would enhance India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities while providing experience relevant to the AMCA program, creating synergies between interim procurement and long-term indigenous development objectives .
Strategic And Operational Advantages
The Su-57E’s deployment as an interim solution would provide immediate deterrent capability against regional threats while maintaining strategic autonomy in defence procurement. Unlike Western alternatives that come with operational restrictions and dependency relationships, the Su-57E offer includes comprehensive customisation rights and freedom from export control limitations that could constrain operational employment . This autonomy becomes particularly valuable in scenarios where India’s strategic interests may diverge from those of Western suppliers.
The aircraft’s operational characteristics align well with IAF requirements for air superiority and multi-role operations along extended borders with China and Pakistan. The Su-57E’s super-cruise capability, extended range, and advanced sensors would provide significant advantages in patrol and interception missions across the vast distances involved in border security operations . The platform’s ability to carry both indigenous and imported weapons systems offers flexibility in mission planning and reduces dependence on specific suppliers for operational effectiveness.
Integration with existing IAF infrastructure would be relatively straightforward given the service’s extensive experience with Russian aircraft systems. Pilot training could leverage existing relationships with Russian training establishments while maintenance and support could build upon established supply chains and technical expertise . This operational continuity would minimise transition costs and accelerate capability development compared to adopting entirely new Western systems.
The procurement of Su-57E aircraft as an interim solution would not necessarily delay or compromise the AMCA program, as different organizations would manage the respective programs. HAL would handle Su-57E production at Nashik while the ADA continues AMCA development with planned private sector involvement through Special Purpose Vehicle arrangements . This parallel approach could actually benefit the AMCA program by providing HAL with advanced manufacturing experience and exposing Indian engineers to fifth-generation fighter technologies.
The operational experience gained from Su-57E employment could inform AMCA development requirements and provide valuable insights into fifth-generation fighter operations in the Indian context. Lessons learned from integrating indigenous weapons and systems with the Su-57E could accelerate similar integration efforts for the AMCA, potentially reducing development risks and improving final design outcomes.
Potential Limitations And Risk Assessment
Despite its advantages, the Su-57E faces several limitations that must be considered in any procurement decision. The aircraft’s stealth characteristics, while present, may not match the low-observable performance of leading Western designs, potentially limiting its effectiveness against advanced air defence systems . Independent assessments suggest the Su-57’s radar cross-section is significantly larger than the F-35 or F-22, which could impact survivability in heavily contested airspace.
Production and delivery timelines present another consideration, as Russia’s current Su-57 production capacity remains limited. The domestic Russian program calls for delivery of 76 aircraft by 2028, while export commitments to Algeria and potentially other customers could impact availability for Indian requirements . Russia’s production facility at Komsomolsk-on-Amur would need to scale significantly to meet large Indian orders within reasonable time-frames.
When compared to other available options, the Su-57E presents unique advantages in terms of technology transfer, cost, and operational autonomy. The F-35, while technologically superior in certain aspects, comes with significantly higher costs, operational restrictions, and limited customization possibilities . American offers typically include strict export controls and operational oversight that could constrain India’s strategic autonomy in employing the aircraft.
Geopolitical risks associated with Russian procurement must also be evaluated, particularly given ongoing international sanctions and potential future restrictions on technology transfer or spare parts supply. While India has maintained defence cooperation with Russia despite Western pressure, the long-term sustainability of such relationships in an increasingly polarised global environment requires careful consideration.
Ultimately, the Su-57E represents a pragmatic solution that balances immediate operational requirements with long-term strategic objectives. While not without limitations, it offers the IAF a path to acquire meaningful fifth-generation fighter capability within a reasonable time-frame and budget, providing essential deterrent capability during the critical period before AMCA becomes operational. The decision should be evaluated based on strategic necessity rather than ideological preferences, recognising that national security requirements often demand practical solutions that bridge capability gaps while indigenous alternatives mature.
IDN (With Agency Inputs)
Agencies
