Bharat’s Su-57 Gambit: A Bold Push for Defense Autonomy and Strategic Depth

Paromita Das
New Delhi, 11th June:  Bharat’s interest in Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter signals more than a routine military procurement—it reflects a bold strategic shift and a deepening of ties between two historical defense partners. At the Aero India airshow held in Bengaluru earlier this year, Russia made an extraordinary offer to Bharat: full technology transfer and license-manufacturing of the Su-57 jet within Bharatiya territory. According to Rosoboronexport, this deal could accelerate domestic production of the fighter as soon as Bharat gives the green light.

This proposal is far more than an arms deal. It stands at the intersection of national security, geopolitical alignment, and Bharat’s broader aspirations under the “Make in India” initiative. As the country seeks to expand its air combat capabilities to meet the target of 42 squadrons by 2035, the Su-57 offer could be pivotal.

Deepening Strategic Trust

Bharat and Russia have long shared a robust defense relationship, with Russia supplying a significant portion of Bharat’s military hardware for decades. The Su-57 proposal adds a new layer of trust to this relationship. Unlike Western arms deals, which often come with strings attached in the form of strict end-use monitoring and limited customization, Russia is offering a rare level of openness. Access to avionics, weapons integration, software, and complete manufacturing rights indicates a high degree of confidence and strategic alignment.

For Bharat, this means more than acquiring a fifth-generation fighter—it represents an opportunity to build and modify cutting-edge platforms domestically. The ability to integrate indigenous systems, such as the Astra air-to-air missile, AESA radar, and Bharatiya mission computers, aligns perfectly with Bharat’s drive for defense autonomy.

Bypassing Global Constraints

Another compelling reason for Bharat to consider the Su-57 is the shifting global political environment. With Western sanctions on Russia tightening and defense supply chains becoming increasingly politicized, Bharat’s local production of the Su-57 could sidestep these barriers entirely. By reducing dependency on imports, particularly from the West, Bharat could shield its defense preparedness from global uncertainty and political maneuvering.

Bharat’s familiarity with Russian platforms also gives it an edge in this potential collaboration. The Indian Air Force currently operates 259 Su-30MKI fighters, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has already been involved in upgrading these aircraft with Bharatiya subsystems. This collaborative model could easily extend to the Su-57, reducing the learning curve and enabling smoother integration of Bharatiya components.

A Broader Vision for Defense Self-Reliance

The Su-57 is just one part of a broader Indo-Russian defense cooperation that spans missile systems, submarines, and small arms. The joint development of the BrahMos missile, acquisition of the S-400 air defense system, and manufacturing of AK-203 rifles in Bharat demonstrate a consistent pattern: partnerships that prioritize local production, knowledge sharing, and long-term strategic depth.

Such collaborations also align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming Bharat into a defense manufacturing hub. The Su-57 project could serve as a flagship initiative under this vision, establishing Bharat as not just a buyer but a builder of next-generation military platforms.

The F-35 Dilemma

Yet, Bharat’s decision is far from straightforward. Reports suggest that New Delhi is also exploring the American F-35—a jet widely considered the pinnacle of stealth and battlefield technology. However, the F-35 program is known for its tight operational controls, high costs, and limited scope for technology sharing. While the platform itself may offer superior stealth capabilities, its integration into Bharat’s defense ecosystem would come with restrictions on upgrades, data access, and operational flexibility.

In contrast, the Russian proposal promises Bharat a greater say in the design, integration, and deployment of its airpower assets. For a country that values strategic independence, this could be the deciding factor.

A Calculated Risk Worth Taking

Of course, concerns remain. The Su-57 has yet to be widely deployed, and questions around its combat readiness and production scale persist. Moreover, deepening ties with Russia at a time when the West is trying to isolate Moscow could complicate Bharat’s relations with other strategic partners, especially the U.S.

However, defense is not about comfort zones; it’s about foresight and preparedness. By taking a bold step toward full-scale technology transfer and local manufacturing, Bharat could position itself as a global player in next-generation aviation technology. The risks are real, but so are the rewards—namely autonomy, industrial growth, and strategic leverage.

Building Bharat’s Defense Future

Bharat’s consideration of the Su-57 deal comes at a crucial time when the country is redefining its global posture and military readiness. Accepting Russia’s offer would not just bring a new fighter jet into the Indian Air Force—it would mark a turning point in Bharat’s defense journey.

With the right safeguards and performance guarantees, this partnership could become a symbol of Bharat’s evolution from arms importer to defense innovator. In the long run, the Su-57 could do for Bharat what no foreign aircraft ever has: help it fly on the wings of its own strength.