India News : A recent agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SJ-100) in India has triggered intense speculation in defence and aviation circles. The big question now being asked is whether this civil aviation partnership could open the door for Russia’s most talked-about fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-57, to enter India’s defence ecosystem.
The Superjet deal is being seen as a significant boost to the Make in India initiative. The SJ-100 is a regional passenger jet, and its local production is expected to strengthen India’s aerospace manufacturing base. Defence analysts believe the civilian aircraft collaboration could act as a confidence-building test case for future, larger military aviation projects between the two countries.
Speculation intensified after remarks by senior Russian officials. Vadim Badekha, CEO of United Aircraft Corporation, indicated that technical possibilities for joint production of the export variant Su-57E are being discussed. He suggested that India’s existing infrastructure for licensed production of Su-30MKI fighters could potentially be adapted for manufacturing the Su-57, if both sides agree.
The Sukhoi Su-57, also known as “Felon,” is Russia’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter. It is designed to evade radar detection, features supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners), and carries weapons in internal bays to preserve stealth. These capabilities place it in the same generation as aircraft like the F-35 and China’s J-20.
India’s association with the Su-57, however, has been complex. New Delhi was earlier part of the Russia-India Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme but withdrew in 2018 over concerns related to technology transfer, costs and performance parameters. Analysts now note that Russia’s development of a new, more powerful engine for the Su-57 could address some of India’s earlier reservations.
Strategic considerations also play a role. With China rapidly expanding its fleet of J-20 stealth fighters, the Indian Air Force faces growing pressure to induct a fifth-generation combat aircraft. At the same time, any major defence deal with Russia carries potential geopolitical and sanctions-related implications, particularly under US laws.
India has consistently stressed that it does not want to remain just a buyer, but seeks full technology transfer and local production. If Russia presents a proposal aligned with these expectations, defence experts say the Su-57 could re-enter serious discussions in the future. For now, however, the Indian Air Force remains focused on strengthening its fleet with Rafale fighters and indigenous platforms such as Tejas, while keeping an eye on evolving fifth-generation options.
