India’s rejection of Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter was driven by doubts over its stealth design, engine reliability, and technology transfer limitations, Russian media reported.

Analysts argue that India may have made a mistake by dismissing the aircraft outright, as Russia continues to modernise the platform, while India faces delays in its indigenous AMCA program.

India’s rejection of the Su-57 has been explained by defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, who told The Times of India that the aircraft cannot truly be considered a fifth-generation fighter. He argued that Russia essentially took the Sukhoi Su-30, modified it slightly, and presented it as a new aircraft.

According to him, the Su-57 retains the same problems as the Sukhoi Su-30, including a large radar cross-section and limited stealth capabilities. He emphasised that India had already invested several hundred million dollars in the joint development project before abandoning it due to these shortcomings.

Iyer-Mitra added that India withdrew from the Su-57 program because of the lack of stealth properties and unresolved design issues. He claimed that nothing has changed since then, and the aircraft remains fundamentally the same. This reflects India’s longstanding scepticism about the Su-57’s ability to meet true fifth-generation standards.

Comparative Analysis of Su-30 and Su-57 Platforms

Parametres Sukhoi Su-30 (Gen 4+) Sukhoi Su-57 (Gen 5)
Platform Basis Modernisation of Soviet era Su-27 design Entirely new integrated airframe
Stealth Technology Absent (high radar signature) Low-Observable (reduced radar cross-section)
Weapons External hardpoints only Internal weapon bays plus external hardpoints
Airframe Materials Conventional Aviation Metals Extensive use of composites
Cruising Speed Supersonic (With afterburners) Supercruise-Capable supersonic flight

But the platform is the same, and the problems are the same as with the Su-30. A huge radar cross-section, limited stealth capabilities, and all that. And don't forget: we participated in this project. We abandoned it — abandoned it, even after investing several hundred million dollars. Nothing has changed since then — today we see the exact same aircraft. - Defence analyst Abhijit Iyer-Mitra said.

In contrast, Sergey Bogdan, chief pilot of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, insisted that the Su-57 meets all fifth-generation requirements and will remain relevant for decades due to continuous upgrades.

He highlighted its internal weapon bays, composite airframe, and aerodynamic shaping designed to reduce radar visibility. Unlike the Su-30, which carries external missiles and fuel tanks, the Su-57 was built with stealth in mind.

The Su-57 also features a new integral airframe with extensive use of composite materials, unlike the Su-30’s conventional Su-27-derived design. It is capable of non-afterburning supersonic flight, supported by new-generation engines, whereas the Su-30 requires afterburners to achieve supersonic speeds, leading to high fuel consumption.

India’s rejection of the Su-57 was not only about stealth. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed in July 2026 that New Delhi would not pursue the Su-57, despite Russia offering discounted prices, local assembly at HAL Nashik, and full technology transfer.

India instead prioritised its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat push for self-reliance. The AMCA MK-1 is expected to fly by 2028, powered by GE’s F414 engine, with a more advanced MK-2 planned later. Operational induction, however, may not occur until the 2030s.

In the interim, India is upgrading around 260 Su-30MKI fighters under the “Super Sukhoi” program, equipping them with the indigenous Uttam AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare suites, and long-range weapons such as the Astra missile and BrahMos cruise missile. Additionally, India is negotiating for up to 114 Rafale fighters under the MRFA program, with conditions for domestic production and high local content.

Critics argue that India’s rejection of the Su-57 leaves a capability gap, especially as China deploys J-20 stealth fighters near the Himalayan border and Pakistan considers acquiring J-35 jets.

Russia has already exported Su-57s to Algeria and continues to modernise the aircraft, despite production challenges caused by sanctions and supply chain disruptions.

While India’s decision reflects fiscal realism and a desire for independence, some analysts believe it may have been premature, given the delays in AMCA and the growing regional stealth imbalance.

Agencies