Russia Offers Complete Technology Transfer of Su-57 Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter to India

A Sukhoi SU-57E presented at Dubai Airshow 2025 on November 17

As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares for his December visit to India, Moscow has extended a groundbreaking military proposal to New Delhi that could transform India's aerial defense capabilities. Russia has offered complete technological access to their advanced fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet, potentially addressing India's future fighter aircraft requirements.

Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov, who leads the Russian government-owned defense conglomerate, outlined a proposal beginning with supplying Russian-built Su-57 fighters and gradually transitioning production to India in phases.

Furthermore, reports indicate Moscow may also offer its single-engine stealth fighter, the Su-75 Checkmate, to India as part of this unprecedented technology transfer arrangement.

This level of access to cutting-edge defense technology represents an unparalleled offer to India. Should India accept, it would gain capabilities repeatedly withheld by Western nations and develop the capacity to independently produce advanced stealth fighters.

During the Dubai Air Show 2025, Chemezov told ANI that Russia is prepared to share its entire fifth-generation fighter ecosystem with India, encompassing engine manufacturing, sensors, stealth materials, and additional technologies.

Emphasizing the longstanding partnership between the nations, Chemezov stated that any technological demands from India would be "completely acceptable" to Russia.

"India and Russia have maintained partnership for many years. Even when India faced sanctions, we supplied weapons to ensure its security... We continue this approach today, providing India with necessary military equipment and developing cooperative relationships that serve our mutual interests," the Rostec CEO explained.

When questioned about potential requests for additional S-400 systems or the Su-57, Chemezov responded, "Our relations with India are strong, and we stand ready to support whatever India requires."

A senior Rosoboronexport representative further detailed that Russia is offering India licensed production of air weapons for next-generation aircraft and integration capabilities for Indian weapons systems. The representative highlighted that this "technology transfer" includes "technological learning" opportunities covering new-generation technologies such as engines, optics, AESA radar, AI elements, low-signature technologies, and modern air weapons.

Retired Indian Air Force Squadron Leader and defense analyst Vijainder K Thakur told The Eurasia Times that Russia's outreach likely includes the single-engine Su-75 Checkmate fighter. He noted Moscow has expressed willingness to establish Su-75 production in a partner country, with India being the logical choice.

Thakur explained that domestic production of the Su-75 would address India's fifth-generation capability gap affordably while potentially generating substantial export revenue, similar to the BrahMos missile program.

"The single-engine Su-75 would serve a different light/medium tactical role compared to the twin-engine AMCA under development in India—these programs would complement rather than compete with each other," Thakur observed.

President Putin is scheduled to visit India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, his first such visit since December 2021. The visit is expected to feature significant defense sector announcements, with preliminary diplomatic discussions already underway.

Earlier this week, Putin's top aide and Chairman of Russia's Maritime Board, Nikolai Patrushev, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss bilateral cooperation matters.

The Russian Embassy in India later reported via Telegram that during Patrushev's visit, "the parties discussed various aspects of Russian-Indian cooperation, particularly in the maritime sector. Both sides emphasized mutual interest in deepening Russia-India interaction to strengthen maritime capabilities. Preparations for the upcoming Russia-India Summit in early December were also addressed."