As Russia deepens its engagement with New Delhi, it has begun assessing the level of investment required to manufacture its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft in India.

India has conveyed its need for at least two to three squadrons of fifth-generation jets, with Russia’s Su-57 and the US-made F-35 among the possible options under review.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which already builds and licenses the Russian-origin Su-30 MKI at its Nashik plant, could be tapped for Su-57 production if required. “Russian agencies are conducting studies to assess the extent of investments they would have to make in order to manufacture the aircraft in India,” defence sources told ANI.

They added that other facilities in India producing Russian-origin systems could also be adapted for fifth-generation fighter manufacturing, which would help lower costs.

India and Russia have been strengthening their strategic ties even as Washington has repeatedly criticised New Delhi and imposed tariffs on Indian firms. At recent leadership-level meetings, both sides advanced several defence initiatives, with India seeking high-end air defence systems such as the S-500 and S-400.

Moscow’s top leadership has also been urging India to procure the Su-57. India was earlier part of Russia’s Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, but pulled out around 8 to 10 years ago due to differences over cost and technology sharing. “With the current scenario in the world, there are chances that cannot be ruled out to restart the old project,” sources noted.

Meanwhile, the US has been trying to pitch the F-35 to India.

India is also working on its own fifth-generation fighter jet program, which was cleared last year. The first flight is targeted for 2028, with induction planned around 2035.