Russia offers Su-57 tech to India ahead of Putin’s December visit

Russia has made a major defense offer to India ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s expected visit to New Delhi in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This visit will be Putin’s first trip to India since December 2021. The proposal could become one of the biggest milestones in the defense relationship between the two long-time partners.

Russia Offers Unrestricted Access to Su-57 Technology

Russian defense officials announced that Moscow is ready to give India complete access to the technology of the Su-57, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This includes technology related to engines, sensors, stealth materials, control systems, and other critical components needed to design and manufacture advanced fighter aircraft.

The plan is to first supply aircraft produced in Russia and then gradually shift production to India in stages. This would allow India to learn, develop, and eventually build its own advanced fighters, something no other country has offered before.

Russia has also shown willingness to support India’s demand for production rights, learning partnerships, and deeper integration of Indian-made weapons into the fighters.

Su-75 Checkmate May Also Be Part of the Deal

Reports suggest that Russia may go a step further by offering India its new single-engine stealth fighter aircraft, the Su-75 Checkmate. This jet is expected to fill the light and medium combat aircraft role and could be manufactured in India if both sides reach an agreement.

Defense experts believe that if India builds the Su-75 locally, it would help meet the country’s future air-power needs at a lower cost while also creating billions of dollars in export opportunities, similar to the success of the BrahMos missile project.

The Su-75 would not compete with India’s twin-engine AMCA program. Instead, both aircraft would serve different roles and strengthen the Air Force in separate areas.

Why Russia Is Making This Offer

Russian officials said that India has been a dependable partner for decades. Even during times when India faced international restrictions and military pressure, Russia continued to supply defense equipment and support India’s security needs. Moscow now wants to continue this partnership by helping India increase its capability to produce advanced fighter jets independently.

Russian representatives also stated that any technological demand made by New Delhi would be acceptable, including requests for modern radar, artificial intelligence systems, stealth coatings, and modern air combat weapons.

Preparations for Putin’s Visit

President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit is expected to bring several major announcements in the defense sector. Diplomatic preparations have already begun. Recently, Nikolai Patrushev, a top Russian security official, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Both sides discussed strengthening cooperation, especially in maritime capabilities and strategic defense.

The meeting also reviewed progress for the upcoming summit scheduled for early December. The visit is expected to highlight the next stage of the India-Russia partnership as both nations look to modernize defense production, expand strategic cooperation, and address changing security challenges in the region.