Russia is inviting Indian Air Force pilots to Moscow to evaluate the Su-57 fighter. This is reported by IDRW, citing insiders familiar with the program.
According to the source, Russia aims to sell the fifth-generation fighter to India and is ready to discuss both direct deliveries and technology transfer for local production. The Kremlin confirmed that sales and technology exchange are being discussed with New Delhi.
Why India needs this
India withdrew from the Russian-Indian FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) program in 2018. This project was launched in 2007 to create an Indian version of the Su-57, but Delhi was dissatisfied with the level of stealth, radar quality, and lack of access to key technologies. After withdrawing from the program, India has not publicly tested the Su-57.
Now, interest in the fighter is linked to China's technical successes in military aviation. India and China are long-standing rivals with a shared border and unresolved territorial disputes. China already has the J-20 fifth-generation fighter in service, with the J-35 on the way. India can only counter with the AMCA fighter, which has not yet moved beyond the prototype stage. Delhi is trying to close this fifth-generation gap by purchasing the Russian Su-57 — as a temporary solution until its own aircraft enters production.
What will be evaluated
The evaluation may include sensors, low observability, electronic warfare systems, weaponry, maintenance, and combat availability. The results will be compared with Rafale and modernized Su-30MKI in Indian conditions.
The information about the invitation of pilots comes from IDRW insiders, not an official statement. Specific dates and the composition of the delegation have not been reported, and the Russian side has not commented on the information.
Earlier, journalists from The Times of India expressed concern about the fate of the AMCA fighter: a possible deal for the Su-57 means New Delhi faces a choice between acquiring a ready-made aircraft and developing its own project. Reports at the time also mentioned a readiness to quickly transfer 8–10 Su-57E aircraft with long-range missiles so that the Indian Air Force could gain operational experience before the completion of the national program.
Separately, India is investing in other programs: it plans to allocate almost $8 billion for the modernization of 84 Su-30MKI to the Super Sukhoi standard.
Read more on the topic:
- India abandoned the Su-57 and returned to the 8-year-old FGFA project
- IDRW: Russia wants to make India part of Su-57 production chain
- IDRW: Su-57 could be an alternative to F-35 for India