NEW DELHI / MOSCOW / BENGALURU, August 2, 2025 — In a major pivot in its fighter jet procurement strategy, India is reportedly steering away from the U.S.-proposed F‑35 Lightning II, and instead weighing the purchase of 20 to 30 Russian Su‑57E stealth fighters. The shift comes in the wake of U.S. President Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian goods starting August 1, which has substantially cooled India’s interest in American defense deals .
India has long relied on Russian aircraft, with over two-thirds of its current jet fleet — including the Su‑30MKI and MiG variants — produced under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Russia’s latest proposal includes full technology transfer and joint production at HAL’s Nashik facility, aligning with India’s Make in India policy .
The transfer package allows integration of Indian systems such as the Astra missile and indigenous avionics, offering a pathway to build domestic stealth expertise. Initial delivery of 20–30 Su‑57Es could begin within three to four years, with longer-term plans to procure up to 100 jets .
While President Trump had previously hinted at paving the way for India to acquire the F‑35 during high-level meetings, no formal procurement talks have ever begun, the Indian government confirmed in Parliament recently . Reports suggest New Delhi paused further consideration following Trump’s decision to enact steep 25% tariffs, seen as retaliatory for India’s trade policies and ties with Russia .
India also lacks assurance of access to critical software, spare parts, and training autonomy required for the F‑35. U.S. policies restrict deep integration or source-code sharing — a dealbreaker under India’s strategic defense frameworks .
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Accepting the Su‑57 deal underscores India’s intent to maintain strategic autonomy, diversify defense suppliers, and accelerate its indigenous AMCA stealth fighter program. By forging deeper defense collaboration with Russia, India gains greater control over manufacturing, maintenance, and future upgrades—avoiding the geopolitical strings associated with Western platforms .
However, India also continues its long-term goal of developing homegrown stealth jets. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh clarified there are no active negotiations with either the U.S. or Russia for buying fifth-generation jets now; the priority remains building the AMCA domestically, with an eight-year timeline underway