Defence
'Whatever India Needs': Russia offers '5th Generation fighter' tech to New Delhi ahead of Putin's visit
Moscow/New Delhi/IBNS: As Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India next month, Moscow has offered New Delhi unrestricted access to Su-57 fifth-generation fighter technology in a move that could significantly shape the future of India’s air combat capabilities.
Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov said the plan involves first delivering Russia-built Su-57 jets, followed by a gradual transition of production to India.
In addition, reports indicate that Moscow is prepared to offer the single-engine Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter as part of its outreach.
Such an offer is unprecedented—no country has previously extended this level of defence-technology access to India.
If New Delhi accept, it would gain technologies that Western nations have repeatedly declined to share, enabling India to eventually build advanced stealth fighters on its own.
Russia’s pitch
Speaking to ANI at the Dubai Air Show 2025, Chemezov said Russia is ready to open the entire fifth-generation ecosystem to India, covering engines, sensors, stealth materials and other critical components.
He underscored the long-standing strategic partnership, adding that any technology India seeks would be “fully acceptable” to Moscow.
“India and Russia have been partners for many years. Even when India faced sanctions, we supplied weapons to ensure its security… Today, we continue that approach, providing whatever military equipment India needs and safeguarding our shared interests,” he said.
Responding to questions about further S-400 systems or Su-57 jets, he added, “We have strong relations with India, and whatever India requires, we are here to support.”
A senior Rosoboronexport official echoed these remarks, saying Russia is offering India license production for future air-launched weapons and integration of Indian-origin weapons.
He noted that Moscow is prepared to transfer technologies and expertise in areas such as engines, optics, AESA radar, AI-enabled systems, low-observability materials and next-generation air weapons.
Su-75 Checkmate on the table
Retired IAF Squadron Leader and defence analyst Vijainder K Thakur told The Eurasia Times that Russia’s renewed push is almost certain to include the Su-75 Checkmate.
He pointed out that Moscow has already shown readiness to shift Su-75 production to a partner nation, and India remains the most practical candidate.
Local manufacturing of the Checkmate, he added, could bridge India’s fifth-generation capability gap at a manageable cost while opening up significant export prospects, similar to the success of the BrahMos programme.
Thakur also noted that the light/medium-class Su-75 would complement, rather than compete with, India’s twin-engine AMCA under development.
Putin’s upcoming India tour
President Putin is scheduled to visit India in December for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, his first trip to the country since 2021.
The visit is expected to feature substantial defence-related announcements, with diplomatic preparations already in motion.
Earlier this week, Putin’s top aide and Chairman of Russia’s Maritime Board, Nikolai Patrushev, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss a range of bilateral issues.
According to a statement shared by the Russian Embassy on Telegram, both sides reviewed cooperation in the maritime domain and reiterated their commitment to enhancing joint capabilities.
Preparations for the upcoming summit were also discussed.
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