In a major boost to Indo-Russian defense ties, Russia has formally proposed the export and potential local production of the Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter to India. At the same time, Moscow has reassured that the remaining two S-400 Triumf air defense systems will be delivered by 2026.

S-400 Triumf: Final Deliveries by 2026

Deal Overview

• Contract Value: $5.43 billion (signed in 2018)
• Total Units Ordered: 5 squadrons
• Delivered to India: 3 squadrons already in service
• Pending Delivery:
  • 4th squadron by end of 2025
  • 5th squadron by August 2026

Operational Importance

• ️ 400 km detection and engagement range
• Tracks 100+ targets, engages 36 simultaneously
• Deployed along India’s northern and western borders

Delays Explained

• Ongoing Russia-Ukraine war disrupted supply chains
• ✈️ Logistics and component constraints
• Russia has reiterated its firm commitment to India despite global pressures

✈️ Su-57E: Russia’s Fifth-Gen Fighter Offer to India

Russia has proposed a government-to-government (G2G) deal to India for the Su-57E – the export version of its most advanced stealth fighter.

Key Offer Highlights

• Quantity Offered: 60–70 fighter jets
• ️ Local Production Option: Possible collaboration with HAL
• Technology Transfer: Under discussion
• To be included in agenda during Putin’s proposed India visit in 2025

Why the Su-57E Matters

• ️ Stealth Tech: Reduced radar cross-section; advanced composites
• AESA Radar: Superior tracking and detection
• ⚔️ Weapon Load: Precision-guided bombs, hypersonic missiles
• Supermaneuverability: AL-41F1 engines (upgradable to AL-51F)
• Multirole: Can perform air dominance, ground attack, and EW missions

Strategic Advantages for India

• ✳️ Interim fighter solution before AMCA rollout
• Leverages India’s existing Su-30MKI production ecosystem
• Boosts India’s air superiority against rising China-Pakistan joint airpower threats

️ Su-57E vs. Indian AMCA: Complementary or Conflict?

Feature	Su-57E	AMCA (Under Dev)
Origin	Russia	India
Status	In Production	Prototype phase
Engine	AL-41F1 (future AL-51F)	GE-F414/Indigenous
Stealth	Operational	In development
Timeline	Immediate	Post-2030

Analysis: The Su-57E could serve as a transitional force multiplier till India’s indigenous AMCA becomes combat-ready.

Geopolitical Impact

Deepens India-Russia ties amid increasing Western alignment
Counterbalance to US pressure post-CAATSA over S-400
Offers India bargaining leverage in its multi-vector defense policy

Final Word

Russia’s dual push—Su-57E sales and S-400 delivery assurance—signals its intent to remain India’s most reliable legacy defense partner even in a changing world order.

For India, this is an opportunity to:

• ✈️ Address its fighter jet shortfall
• ️ Secure vital air defense layers
• Strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities through joint ventures

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