India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been found to possess around half of the infrastructure and capability needed to co-produce the Russian fifth-generation fighter aircraft Sukhoi Su-57E, according to an evaluation conducted by a visiting Russian delegation.

The delegation, consisting of representatives from the Sukhoi Design Bureau, recently visited HAL facilities to assess the company’s readiness for potential joint production of the export-oriented Su-57E variant.

The assessment forms part of preliminary exploratory discussions between India and Russia on reviving a collaborative fifth-generation fighter program. The Russian team visited HAL’s key production units, including the Nashik facility, which currently assembles the Sukhoi Su-30MKI for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The visit also covered the Koraput Division in Odisha, responsible for producing the AL-31FP engines, and the newly established Strategic Electronics Factory in Kasaragod, Kerala, which handles avionics integration and testing.

HAL’s Nashik plant, developed through years of licensed Su-30MKI production under a 2000 Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA), remains India’s most advanced fighter assembly infrastructure.

However, the Russian evaluation reportedly concluded that HAL would require significant upgrades in precision tooling, advanced composites capability, low-observable coatings, and radar absorbent material applications to meet Su-57E production standards.

The Russian side’s report suggested that while HAL’s industrial base is strong, additional technological input, investment in stealth-related infrastructure, and digital production integration will be essential for fifth-generation manufacturing.

HAL is now drafting its own detailed assessment to outline potential investment requirements for plant modernisation, R&D collaboration, and technology acquisition. This document will soon be submitted to India’s Defence Ministry for review.

The proposal could represent a strategic bridge as India awaits the development of its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Russia has reportedly positioned the Su-57E as an interim capability booster, aligning with India’s operational need for a stealth-capable platform before AMCA’s production maturity.

The Su-57E, featuring improved stealth contouring, supercruise capability, and advanced avionics, has already been demonstrated publicly at international shows, including Aero India earlier this year.

Indian defence experts observe that a potential Su-57E partnership could give HAL an opportunity to accelerate its learning curve on stealth assembly, composite structures, thrust vectoring, and integrated avionics management.

Comparative Overview: Su-57E Vs AMCA Block-1

ParameterSukhoi Su-57E (Export Variant)AMCA Block-1 (India)
OriginRussia (Sukhoi Design Bureau, UAC)India (ADA, DRDO, HAL)
GenerationFifth-generation (export-optimised)Fifth-generation (indigenous)
RoleMultirole stealth air superiority and strikeMultirole stealth air superiority and deep strike
AirframeComposite-intensive with stealth shapingHigh-composite stealth airframe with internal bays
Length~20.1 m~18.0 m
Wingspan~14.1 m~11.9 m
Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW)~35,000 kg~25,000 kg
Engines2 × AL-41F1 or Izdeliye 30 (future)2 × GE F414-IN6 (initial)
Thrust (with afterburner)Up to 176 kN per engine (Izdeliye 30)98 kN per engine
Supercruise CapabilityYes (Mach 1.3 with Izdeliye 30)Targeted (Mach 1.2 design goal)
Maximum SpeedMach 2.0Mach 2.15 (planned)
Service Ceiling~20,000 m20,000 m
Combat Radius~1,500 km internal, 2,200 km with drop tanks1,000–1,200 km internal
Stealth FeaturesRadar-absorbent coatings, internal weapon bays, serrated edgesRAM coatings, serpentine intakes, aligned edges, reduced IR signature
RadarN036 Byelka AESA radar (L-band side arrays)Uttam AESA derivative (X-band)
Avionics SuiteIntegrated modular avionics with multispectral sensorsNative IMA architecture, indigenous mission computer
Weapons CapacityInternal: up to 8 missiles; external: optional hardpointsInternal: 4–6 missiles; external: 6 hardpoints
Primary WeaponsR-77M, R-74M2, Kh-59MK2, Kinzhal (adapted), guided bombsAstra Mk1/2/3, SAAW, Rudram series, glide bombs
EW & Sensor FusionAdvanced sensor suite with distributed aperturesUnified AESA-based sensor fusion, indigenous EW suite
Cost (Estimated Unit, Export)70–85 million USD65–75 million USD (projection)
Current Production StatusLimited serial production, deliveries to Russian Air ForcePrototype under construction; first flight expected 2026
Industrial ModelPotential co-production and technology transfer with HALFull indigenous design, partial foreign engine dependency
Strategic Role for IndiaInterim capability and stealth platform familiarisationLong-term self-reliant stealth fighter ecosystem

However, policymakers are expected to weigh this against India’s long-term goal of complete design sovereignty through the AMCA and the upcoming Combat Air Engine project under GTRE-Safran collaboration.

If approved, the joint Su-57E production could replicate the successful Su-30MKI partnership model, with phased localisation and incremental technology absorption.

For now, discussions remain exploratory, pending policy approval and cost assessment at the governmental level. Yet, the renewed Russian interest signals the strategic alignment between Moscow and New Delhi on sustaining next-generation fighter cooperation amid evolving global defence alliances.

Based On The Week Report