Russia offers Su-57 stealth fighter, joint production proposal to India: Putin
Jun 05, 2026
Russia has reiterated its proposal to involve India in the development and potential joint production of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said Moscow remains keen to deepen defence cooperation with New Delhi, including collaboration on advanced military platforms such as the Su-57 aircraft and integrated air defence systems.
The Su-57 is Russia’s fifth-generation stealth multirole combat aircraft designed for air superiority and strike missions. The renewed proposal includes the possibility of joint manufacturing in India, signalling continued efforts to expand long-standing defence ties between the two countries.
India and Russia already share a major defence partnership, including the procurement of the S-400. Under a $5 billion agreement signed in 2018, India ordered five S-400 systems despite objections from the United States. Four squadrons have been delivered so far, while the fifth is yet to arrive.
The S-400 systems are expected to form an important part of India’s evolving air defence network, often referred to as the “Sudarshan Chakra” project, which aims to strengthen the country’s integrated air defence capabilities.
The latest remarks come as India continues to expand its indigenous fighter development programme while balancing defence procurement from multiple global partners.
