ISLAMABAD: Russia’s announcement of delivering its first two Su-57 stealthfighter jets to an unnamed foreign buyer has ignited speculation acrossglobal defence circles, with Algeria emerging as the frontrunner based onearlier confirmations of its purchase. This milestone export, unveiled amidthe ongoing Dubai Airshow 2025, underscores Moscow’s determination tocommercialise its fifth-generation platform despite production delays andWestern sanctions. Yet, the development carries profound implications forSouth Asia, particularly as India intensifies negotiations to acquire thesame aircraft, potentially reshaping regional air dynamics and challengingPakistan’s strategic calculus.
The Su-57, Russia’s answer to the American F-22 and F-35, boasts advancedstealth capabilities, supercruise speeds exceeding Mach 2, and integratedsensor suites for network-centric warfare. Its export variant, the Su-57E,was prominently displayed at Dubai last week, performing alongside Westerncounterparts in a rare show of competitive prowess. While Algeria’sacquisition—reportedly for 14 units—bolsters its Mediterranean postureagainst regional rivals, India’s prospective deal looms larger for thesubcontinent. New Delhi has long eyed the jet to modernise its ageingfleet, especially after setbacks in recent aerial skirmishes with Pakistanthat exposed vulnerabilities in its fourth-generation assets like theSu-30MKI and Mirage 2000.
Prospects for an Indian buy appear brighter than ever, with bilateral talksaccelerating since September 2025. Russia has sweetened the pot byproposing joint production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Nashikfacility, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative and offeringtechnology transfers for indigenous enhancements. Reports suggestdiscussions encompass up to 140 aircraft across two squadrons, a scale thatcould eclipse even the Rafale infusion. This shift marks a strategic pivotfor New Delhi, which previously shelved the project in 2018 over concernsabout the Su-57’s maturity and stealth efficacy—issues Moscow claims tohave addressed through iterative upgrades, including improvedradar-absorbent materials and AI-driven avionics.
From Islamabad’s vantage, such a transaction spells heightened asymmetry.Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder and impending J-10C acquisitions, whilecost-effective, lag in stealth and sensor fusion, potentially cedingqualitative edges to India along the Line of Control. Analysts warn that anoperational Indian Su-57 fleet by 2030 could deter cross-border incursionsand embolden adventurism, necessitating accelerated PAFdiversification—perhaps via Turkish or Chinese fifth-gen alternatives. Yet,geopolitical crosswinds persist: US pressure on India to favour F-35s underQUAD auspices, coupled with CAATSA waiver uncertainties, might stall thedeal. Russia’s Ukraine quagmire has strained its industrial base, limitingexport volumes and raising reliability doubts.
Read Top Stories
Ultimately, India’s Su-57 dalliance reflects broader realignments in amultipolar world, where Moscow’s discounted arms serve as a counterweightto Western dominance. For Pakistan, vigilance is imperative; bolsteringdiplomatic outreach to dilute Indo-Russian ties and investing in asymmetriccapabilities will be key to preserving equilibrium. As the Dubaishowmanship fades, the real theatre unfolds in negotiation chambers, wherethe Felon’s fate—and South Asia’s skies—hang in balance.Source:https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/india-su57-procurement-russia-strategic-shift/Source:https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/russian-su57-first-landing-dubai