Russia offers unrestricted Su-57 tech transfer to support India's future fighter requirements

Russia has reiterated its readiness to support India’s future fighter aircraft requirements, offering unrestricted technology transfer for the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter.

Officials stressed that any demands from India are “completely acceptable,” signaling a deepening of defence ties ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India next month.

Speaking at the Dubai Air Show 2025, Sergey Chemezov, CEO of the Russian state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec, highlighted the long-standing defence partnership between India and Russia.

"India and Russia have been partners for many years. Even when India was under sanctions, we supplied the country with weapons to ensure its security," he told ANI.

He added, "Today, we continue the same approach as in previous years, supplying India with whatever military equipment it needs and ensuring our mutual interests in developing cooperation."

Chemezov further emphasised that Russia remains open to any new requirements from New Delhi.

On potential requests for additional S-400 systems or the Su-57, he said, "We have strong relations with India, and whatever India requires, we are here to support."

Vadim Badekha, Director General of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a Rostec subsidiary, confirmed that India’s concerns and technical demands regarding the Su-57 have been positively received.

"All demands from the Indian side regarding the Su-57 are completely acceptable," he said, adding that they are "deeply" in touch with Indian officials.

At the Dubai Air Show, a senior representative of Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport outlined Moscow’s offer to India for future air combat programmes.

Describing the Su-57, the official said, "... Rosoboronexport offers to India both license production of air weapons for future generation aircraft and integration of Indian weapons."

The official added that Russia and UAC are offering the Su-57 produced in Russia, along with a phased pathway to shift production to India.

As part of the proposal, Rosoboronexport is providing "technology transfer" and "technological learning of few generation technologies, including engines, optics, AESA radar, AI elements, low signature technologies and modern air weapons."

Russia is also willing to collaborate with India on a two-seat version of the aircraft, including "joint development of a two-seat modification of the Su-57E or FGFA."

The offer would allow India to manufacture critical components locally, mitigating risks from sanctions.

It also provides for a "gradual increase in the level of license production" along with long-term upgrade potential through software and systems improvements.

The Rosoboronexport representative also stressed that the cooperation reflects over six decades of partnership, showcasing "the reliability and transparency of the Russian side to technology transfer without restrictions and possible sanctions like other countries do."

During his visit to Moscow, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with President Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and attended the SCO head of government summit.

In New Delhi, Nikolai Patrushev, Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation and aide to Putin, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 18.

They discussed strengthening maritime cooperation, including connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding, and the blue economy.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed his greetings to President Putin and expressed eagerness to host him in India next month.