HAL Nashik Could Host Su-57E Production; IAF Weighs 40–60 Aircraft

India is steadily advancing toward self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, and Russia’s proposal to localize production of its fifth-generation Su-57E stealth fighter at HAL’s Nashik facility could mark a historic step.

Beyond aircraft acquisition, the plan offers technology transfer, industrial expertise, and the foundation of India’s stealth ecosystem, reinforcing the nation’s long-term air combat capabilities.

Su-57E: Features and Capabilities

The Su-57E is Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed to rival the American F-35. Key capabilities include:

• Stealth Design: Low radar cross-section and optimized airframe for survivability.
• Superior Agility: Advanced aerodynamics and supercruise capability for sustained supersonic flight.
• Advanced Avionics: AESA radar, sensor fusion, and multi-target tracking.
• Modular Payloads: Internal weapons bays compatible with air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.
• Future-Proof Integration: Designed for seamless incorporation of Indian systems, including AMCA technologies.

Russia’s Generous Offer and the Minimum Order Challenge

Moscow is presenting arguably its most generous fighter deal ever to India, including full Transfer of Technology (ToT), source code access, and clearance to integrate indigenous systems. Yet, a sticking point remains: Russia has not disclosed the minimum order size required for local production.

Industry sources suggest Moscow may seek at least 140 aircraft—roughly seven squadrons—to justify tooling, supply chain setup, and industrial investment. Rostec officials, while highlighting the strategic benefits, avoided confirming these numbers publicly, emphasizing instead the opportunity to accelerate India’s stealth capabilities.

IAF’s Conservative Approach

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is evaluating the Su-57E primarily as a bridge platform until AMCA enters service around 2035. Senior officials indicate that India is likely to procure 40–60 aircraft, enough to address the current squadron gap (31 active versus 42 sanctioned). “Two or three squadrons max—to hold the line until AMCA. Not a long-term fleet,” one officer noted.

Geopolitics and Strategic Considerations

The renewed proposal, discussed at Aero India 2025 and slated for talks during President Vladimir Putin’s December 2025 visit, draws lessons from the scrapped FGFA program of 2018. Back then, India withdrew due to cost and stealth concerns.

Additional factors complicate the deal:

• CAATSA sanctions from the U.S.
• Evaluations of F-35 and Rafale Marine platforms
• Technical debates over Su-57’s radar cross-section, engine reliability, and avionics integration

Despite these challenges, Russia’s willingness to provide source codes and full ToT reflects decades of trusted India-Russia defence collaboration, from the Su-30MKI program to missile systems and submarines.

HAL Nashik: The Production Hub

HAL’s Nashik facility, which already manufactures and supports Su-30MKI components, is considered a natural candidate for partial Su-57 localization. The proposed plan includes phased assembly, testing, and quality assurance, along with gradual indigenisation, creating a domestic stealth and avionics industry that supports India’s long-term defence self-reliance.

A Step Toward Atmanirbhar Bharat

If realized, the Nashik Su-57E program could significantly strengthen India’s air combat readiness and indigenous fighter development ecosystem.

The combination of advanced stealth, agility, and modular payloads, together with indigenous integration capabilities, positions India to maintain a strategic edge while bridging operational gaps until AMCA enters service.

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