United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has officially confirmed its offer to India for co-production of the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet. Vadim Badekha, the CEO of UAC, made the announcement in a recent interview with Russian media, underscoring the importance of the Su-57 to the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to Badekha, the Su-57 is a crucial step in the evolution and advancement of both Russian and Indian aviation industries.
“The Su-57 is needed by the Indian Air Force as the next step in the evolution and development of our aviation industries,” Badekha remarked, highlighting the aircraft’s importance to India’s military capabilities. He further noted that India’s assessment of the Su-57 has been overwhelmingly positive, with many acknowledging it as the only fifth-generation fighter jet currently engaged in combat operations. This involvement in real-world missions, Badekha emphasized, showcases the jet’s superior qualities and technical specifications.
The co-production offer aligns with India’s interest in acquiring cutting-edge fighter technology and bolstering its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. “We offer joint development with India of the Su-57. We offer joint production of the Su-57 here, in India,” Badekha said. This offer is seen as a significant step in strengthening defense ties between Russia and India, following years of collaboration in various defense sectors.
India’s interest in advanced fighter jets has long been a priority, and the Su-57 offer is a continuation of this focus. The country had previously engaged with Russia in the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, which aimed to develop a version of the Su-57 suited to Indian requirements. While the FGFA program faced challenges, the new proposal for co-production could pave the way for future collaboration and modernization of India’s air force fleet.
If the deal goes through, it would not only strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also enhance its position in the global aerospace industry, marking a major milestone in its pursuit of self-reliance in defense production.