Dubai [UAE], November 19 (ANI): Russia has signaled its readiness to support India’s future fighter aircraft requirements and is willing to offer unrestricted technology transfer for the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter. Officials said any demand from the Indian side is “completely acceptable.” The assurance follows several high-level interactions between Indian and Russian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and comes 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, highlighted the long-standing strategic 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.”
Chemezov added, “Today, we continue the same approach as in previous years, supplying India with whatever military equipment it needs and ensuring our mutual interests in developing cooperation.”
Russia also confirmed it remains open to meeting any new requirements from New Delhi. When asked about potential requests for additional S-400 systems or the Su-57, Chemezov 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, said that Indian concerns and technical demands related to the Su-57 have been reviewed positively. He told ANI that all demands from the Indian side are “completely acceptable” and that UAC is in “deep” contact with Indian officials.
At the Dubai 2025 Air Show, a senior representative of Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport outlined Moscow’s proposal for India’s future air combat programs. Describing the Su-57 offering, he said, “Rosoboronexport offers to India both license production of air weapons for future generation aircraft and integration of Indian weapons.”
The representative said Russia and UAC are offering India Su-57 aircraft produced in Russia, along with a phased pathway to shift production to India. He added that the proposal includes “technology transfer” and “technological learning of few generation technologies, including engines, optics, AESA radar, AI elements, low-signature technologies and modern air weapons.”
He also confirmed that Russia is willing to collaborate with India on a two-seat version of the aircraft, stating that the proposal includes the “joint development of a two-seat modification of the Su-57E or FGFA.”
According to the official, the offer would allow India to manufacture critical components domestically without concerns over sanctions disrupting supply chains. He said the proposal ensures “a gradual increase in the level of license production” and provides scope for long-term upgrades through software improvements and system enhancements.
The Russian side emphasized that the offer builds on a defence partnership spanning more than six decades. The Rosoboronexport representative said the collaboration 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 with Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and attended the SCO Heads of Government Summit. In New Delhi, Putin’s aide Nikolai Patrushev, Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 18.
They discussed strengthening maritime cooperation, including opportunities in connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding and the blue economy. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his warm greetings to President Putin and said he looks forward to hosting him in India next month.
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