Dubai [UAE], November 19 (HBTV): Russia has said it is prepared to support India’s future fighter aircraft requirements and is willing to offer unrestricted technology transfer for the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, adding that all Indian demands are ‘completely acceptable’.
The assurance comes as Indian and Russian officials held several interactions, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, ahead of Putin’s visit to India next month.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Dubai Air Show 2025, Sergey Chemezov, CEO of the Russian government-owned defence conglomerate Rostec, underlined the long-standing defence partnership between the two countries. He told ANI, ‘India and Russia have been partners for many years. Even when India was under sanctions, we supplied the country with weapons to ensure its security.’
He added that Russia continues its long-standing approach of supplying India with the military equipment it needs and remains open to new requirements. When asked about possible requests for additional S-400 systems or the Su-57, he said, ‘We have strong relations with India, and whatever India requires, we are here to support.’
Vadim Badekha, Director General of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a Rostec subsidiary, confirmed that India’s concerns and technical demands related to the Su-57 have been viewed positively. Responding to ANI, he said all demands from the Indian side are ‘completely acceptable’ and that they remain ‘deeply’ engaged with Indian officials.
At the air show, a senior representative of Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, outlined Moscow’s offer for India’s future air combat programmes. Speaking about the Su-57, he said Rosoboronexport is offering India both licensed production of air weapons for future-generation aircraft and integration of Indian weapons.
He added that Russia and UAC are offering India Su-57 aircraft produced in Russia, with a phased pathway for shifting production to India. This includes ‘technology transfer’ and the opportunity for Indian engineers to learn advanced-generation technologies such as engines, optics, AESA radar, AI elements, low-signature technologies and modern air weapons.
The official also confirmed Russia’s willingness to jointly develop a two-seat version of the aircraft, proposing collaboration on a modified Su-57E or FGFA. He said the offer provides India with the ability to manufacture critical components domestically, without concerns about sanctions affecting supply chains, while gradually increasing the level of licensed production and enabling long-term upgrades through software and other improvements.
The Russian side emphasised that the proposal builds on a defence partnership spanning more than six decades. The Rosoboronexport representative said the cooperation demonstrates ‘the reliability and transparency of the Russian side to technology transfer without restrictions and possible sanctions like other countries do’.
During his Moscow visit, EAM Jaishankar met President Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and attended the SCO Head of Government Summit. In New Delhi, Nikolai Patrushev, Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation and aide to President Putin, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 18. They exchanged views on boosting cooperation in the maritime domain, including opportunities in connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding and the blue economy.
The Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to President Putin and said he looks forward to hosting him in India next month.
(ANI)