That’s an important development in the ongoing defense collaboration between India and Russia. The report by the Russian technical team is seen as a major step toward reviving a potential deal for the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet.

Here are the full details based on the report submitted to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):

🛠️ Key Findings of the Russian Report

The technical report was prepared by a delegation from the Sukhoi Design Bureau and other Russian defense entities following an on-site inspection of HAL’s production facilities.

• 50% Capacity Already Exists: The core conclusion is that HAL already possesses approximately 50% of the manufacturing capacity and technical infrastructure required for the licensed, local production of the Su-57E (the export variant) stealth fighter in India.
• Leveraging Su-30MKI Experience: This existing capacity is largely attributed to the two decades of licensed production of the Su-30MKI fighter jet at HAL’s facilities, particularly the Nashik Division. This experience has built a strong foundation in airframe construction, engine assembly, and avionics integration.
• Technological Sophistication Noted: The Russian team reportedly inspected facilities, including HAL’s Strategic Electronics Factory, and noted the technological sophistication and adaptability of these units for producing vital components like mission computers and display processor units for modern aircraft like the Su-57.

📝 Next Steps for HAL and India

Following the submission of the Russian report, HAL is now tasked with formulating its own comprehensive plan:

• HAL’s Internal Report: HAL is currently preparing its own internal report to assess the precise requirements for achieving full-scale, local production capacity of the Su-57E.
• Investment Estimate: This internal report will include detailed estimates of the investments needed for infrastructure enhancement, procurement of specialized machinery, research and development, workforce training, and establishing a local supply chain that can handle fifth-generation technology.
• Submission to Ministry: The final assessment is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Defence for policy-level consideration, which will be the basis for future negotiations.

🎯 Strategic Context of the Offer

The timing and content of the Russian offer are strategically significant:

• Full Technology Transfer: Russia has reportedly offered full technology transfer, including the sensitive source codes for the aircraft’s software and systems. This addresses one of the primary reasons India withdrew from the earlier joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program in 2018.
• Alignment with ‘Make in India’: The proposal strongly aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) defense initiatives, transforming the relationship from a simple buyer-seller model to a co-production framework.
• Complementing AMCA: The Russian side has argued that starting local production of the Su-57E would complement India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program by providing Indian engineers with hands-on experience in fifth-generation technologies, such as stealth material integration and advanced composite structures.

A definitive agreement on the acquisition and local manufacturing of the Su-57 is a major decision that is expected to be finalized at the governmental level.