Russia to Propose 70 Su-57E Fighter Jet with AL-51F Engines G2G Deal to India During Putin's 2025 Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to India in early 2025 could mark a significant milestone in defense cooperation between the two nations. On the agenda is a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal offering India 60-70 Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jets, a move aimed at bolstering the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities.

A Renewed Pitch for the Su-57E

The Su-57E, an export version of Russia’s advanced Su-57 stealth fighter, has been designed to excel in air superiority and precision strike missions. It features cutting-edge avionics, super maneuverability, and stealth technology. Russia’s offer follows India’s 2018 exit from the Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, a collaborative effort that sought to create a customized, twin-seat Su-57 variant for India. Challenges such as delays, cost overruns, and questions about the fighter’s fifth-generation credentials led to India’s withdrawal.

Russia now believes the Su-57E has addressed those concerns and could be a strong contender for India’s defense modernization. With its AL-51F engines—true fifth-generation powerplants—offering superior thrust, fuel efficiency, and stealth performance, the Su-57E represents a significant leap in combat technology.

Competitive Pricing and Delivery Advantage

One of the most appealing aspects of Russia’s proposal is the Su-57E’s pricing. The fighter jet is expected to be significantly cheaper than the French Dassault Rafale, which India has already acquired. Coupled with this is Russia’s ramped-up production capability, with annual Su-57 output set to increase from 15 to 25 units. This production expansion could ensure faster delivery timelines, an essential factor for India, given its urgent need to replenish its fighter squadrons.

India’s Fighter Fleet Challenges

The IAF currently faces a critical shortfall, operating with just 31 squadrons—far below the sanctioned strength of 42. This gap leaves India underprepared to handle a potential two-front conflict scenario with China and Pakistan. The Su-57E could serve as a much-needed interim solution while India develops its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The Su-57E also aligns with India’s vision for integrating advanced technologies, including stealth and network-centric warfare capabilities, into its fleet. With the AMCA still in the development phase, the Su-57E could bridge the gap until the indigenous fighter becomes operational in the 2030s.

Strengthening India-Russia Defense Ties

Beyond addressing India’s immediate defense needs, the Su-57E proposal underscores Russia’s commitment to strengthening its strategic ties with India. Despite India’s diversification of defense partnerships in recent years, Russia remains a key supplier, accounting for nearly 45% of India’s defense imports.

The Su-57E deal, if finalized, could further solidify this relationship, particularly at a time when India is balancing its defense procurement strategy between traditional allies like Russia and new partners such as the United States and France.

Conclusion

President Putin’s 2025 visit could be a pivotal moment in India-Russia defense relations. The proposed Su-57E deal offers India a cost-effective, technologically advanced solution to its air force challenges, while providing Russia an opportunity to regain its foothold in India’s defense procurement landscape. As India weighs its options, the Su-57E could emerge as a critical component in shaping the future of its air combat capabilities.