New Delhi: The Russian ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, has highlighted a very favourable deal for the Sukhoi Su-57E fighter jet, which he claims is the best combat aircraft currently flying. This offer includes not only the sale of the aircraft but also the possibility of joint production in India.
Russia is willing to share technology and assist in setting up necessary industrial facilities for the production of the Su-57E. Additionally, they are open to configuration changes to meet India’s specific needs, making it a lucrative deal for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Su-57E was showcased at Aero India 2025, where it demonstrated its capabilities, including advanced stealth technology and super-cruise capabilities. Russia’s state arms exporter, ROSOBORONEXPORT, has stated that if India decides to proceed with the deal, production could begin quickly using the existing infrastructure for the Su-30MKI fighter jets. This would allow India to transition to producing fifth-generation fighters efficiently.
India is currently developing its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), after withdrawing from a joint project with Russia in 2018. Despite the Russian offer, there has been no official response from the Indian government or the IAF regarding the acquisition of the Su-57E. The offer comes as India is also considering other options, including the US F-35 Lightning-II, which was also showcased at Aero India 2025.
The Sukhoi Su-57E employs advanced stealth technology to reduce its radar cross-section (RCS), making it less detectable by enemy radar systems. However, its stealth capabilities are generally considered less effective than those of the Lockheed Martin F-35 and F-22.
The Su-57E uses radar-absorbent materials (RAM) and carefully angled surfaces to reduce radar reflections. It also features internal weapons bays to minimise drag and maintain stealth. However, the aft fuselage is less optimised for stealth compared to American designs like the F-35 and F-22.
