Russia offers unrestricted Su-57 tech transfer to India; Says all Indian demands ‘completely acceptable’

Russia has said it is ready to support India’s future fighter aircraft programmes and is open to offering technology transfer for the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter “without restrictions”, adding

that any demand from the Indian side is “completely acceptable.”

The assurance comes after several high-level engagements, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, and ahead of Putin’s visit to India next month.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Dubai Air Show 2025, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov emphasised the longstanding defence partnership between the two nations.

He told ANI, “India and Russia have been partners for many years. Even when India was under sanctions, we supplied the country with weapons to ensure its security.”

Chemezov added that Russia continues its traditional approach of supplying India “whatever military equipment it needs.”

Russia also indicated it remains open to fresh requirements from New Delhi. When asked about potential additional orders for S-400 systems or the Su-57, Chemezov told ANI, “We have strong relations with India, and whatever India requires, we are here to support.”

Further reinforcing the message, Vadim Badekha, Director General of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), said Indian concerns and technical demands regarding the Su-57 have been addressed positively. He told ANI that all requirements from the Indian side are “completely acceptable” and that UAC is “deeply” in touch with Indian officials.

At the air show, a senior representative of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter, outlined Moscow’s detailed offer for India’s future air combat needs.

Describing the Su-57 package, the official said Rosoboronexport is offering license production of air weapons, integration of Indian weapons, and a phased pathway to shift Su-57 production to India.

He said the proposal includes “technology transfer” and the “technological learning of fifth-generation technologies, including engines, optics, AESA radar, AI elements, low-signature technologies and modern air weapons.”

He also confirmed Russia’s willingness to jointly work on a two-seat Su-57E/FGFA variant, with scope for local manufacturing of critical systems and long-term upgrade pathways.

According to the official, the offer helps India avoid potential supply-chain risks from sanctions and ensures a “gradual increase in the level of license production.”

Russia framed the offer as an extension of a six-decade-long defence partnership, with the Rosoboronexport representative emphasising “the reliability and transparency of the Russian side to technology transfer without restrictions and possible sanctions like other countries do.”

Meanwhile, during his Moscow visit, EAM Jaishankar met President Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and attended the SCO Heads of Government meeting. In New Delhi, Nikolai Patrushev, Chairman of the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation and a close aide of Putin, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 18.

The discussions focused on deepening maritime cooperation, including opportunities in connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding and the blue economy. PM Modi conveyed warm greetings to President Putin and said he looked forward to hosting him in India next month.