Russia has offered India joint development, production, and technology transfer for the fifth-generation Su-57E fighter jet, according to the IDRW portal: the proposal includes production localization in India, extensive technology transfer, and allegedly access to the aircraft's source codes. However, New Delhi fears US sanctions.
The United States has significantly expanded defense and technological cooperation with India over the past decade as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy. Although India was not sanctioned for purchasing the S-400 "Triumf" from Russia, American officials have repeatedly expressed concern about large purchases of Russian weaponry. US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick emphasized that ongoing large defense purchases from Russia irritate the United States.
Washington is particularly concerned about Russia's potential influence on Indian-American technological cooperation in aerospace, semiconductors, AI, and engine manufacturing. A major program involving a Russian stealth fighter, including localization and software integration, could complicate this partnership, especially regarding the integration of advanced American and Russian military systems.
As reported by IDRW, Russia considers the Indian HAL site in Nashik as the most suitable location for joint production of the Su-57E, leveraging its accumulated experience in manufacturing over 200 Su-30MKI fighters. It is assumed that the localized version will be equipped with Indian systems – an active phased array radar based on gallium nitride elements, a hybrid onboard computer, and other components, which will allow the Su-57E to be integrated with modernized Su-30MKI into a single network.
For India, the decision to purchase the Su-57E goes beyond a simple choice of fighter jet. It involves balancing combat capabilities, access to technology, industrial development, strategic autonomy, and foreign policy considerations.