ISLAMABAD: Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit New Delhinext month amid reports that Moscow has formally offered India completelicensed production of the fifth-generation Su-57 Felon stealth fighteralong with unrestricted transfer of critical technologies.
The breakthrough proposal, described by defence analysts as the mostgenerous ever extended by Russia to a non-treaty ally, includesestablishing a full manufacturing line on Indian soil rather than mereassembly of knock-down kits.
A senior Rosoboronexport official made the announcement with unusualcandour at the ongoing Dubai Air Show 2025, stating Russia was prepared totransfer even the most sensitive stealth and avionics technologiespreviously guarded jealously.
The offer goes far beyond earlier discussions that envisaged onlyco-production of components or final assembly, potentially allowing Indiato produce unlimited numbers of Su-57s tailored to its specificrequirements.
Indian officials have neither confirmed nor denied receiving the formalproposal, but sources indicate the matter will figure prominently duringPresident Putin’s bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The proposed deal comes at a time when India’s indigenous AMCAfifth-generation programme faces delays while relations with traditionalWestern suppliers remain complicated by geopolitical considerations.
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Military experts suggest acceptance would give India immediate access tooperational stealth capability and dramatically alter the regional airpowerequation vis-à-vis China and Pakistan.
The timing also coincides with deepening Russia-India defence cooperation,with both nations recently concluding the extended logistics supportagreement and joint production of AK-203 rifles.