After Modi & Putin engagement, Russia reportedly offers India full Su-57 engine tech transfer: Sources

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in India, and in the midst of this, news is out that Russia has offered India a full transfer of technology for the Su-57E's advanced 177S engine.

What this means for Indian Defence? 

This move could considerably expand India's indigenous aerospace capabilities if confirmed. According to the claim, which the Indian Defence Research Wing first reported, citing unnamed Russian officials, would include access to manufacturing drawings, metallurgy specifications, and single-crystal turbine-blade technology.

Each of the above elements represents some of the most complicated aspects of modern fighter-jet engineering and, as a rule, is closely guarded by the nations that develop fifth-generation aircraft.

Also read: “Typing ‘I love you’ never feels the same as saying it" - Meet Hyderabad founder who launches a voice-first app for real human connections (startuppedia.in)

Where this would materialise? 

Reports suggest that the engine and related systems would be produced at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's facility located in Koraput, Odisha, an aero-engine production hub for years. Analysts say that such a deal would bring down logistical complexity for India by upgrading from the Su-30MKI's AL-31FP engines, besides supporting indigenous programs like AMCA.

No official confirmation 

Neither New Delhi nor Moscow has officially confirmed this so far, keeping the offer within the realm of active but unverified defence discussions. India had earlier pulled out of the joint FGFA program with Russia in 2018 over cost and capability issues.

Additional reports quote Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov to confirm that initial Su-57 units would be delivered from Russia as a local assembly line is established in India. Plans reportedly call for first deliveries of 20–30 aircraft to be made within three to four years, while a follow-on, greater order estimated at 70–100 units is confirmed by the early 2030s.

Also read: This mechanical engineer quit high-paying job to rescue bees - Now clocks Rs. 65 Lakh annual turnover (startuppedia.in)

What preliminary reports say? 

Preliminary reports suggest that, in addition to the fighter-jet proposal, Russian officials have offered cooperation on unmanned aerial systems. The localisation package is said to comprise the production of the Lancet loitering-munition drone in India, along with transfers of engine technology, sensors and low-signature materials. 

If accepted, HAL's Nashik facility could emerge as a manufacturing centre for both fighters and UAVs, broadening India's defence-industrial skill base.

Experts say that the plan to manufacture fifth-generation engines and precision-strike drones in India is part of a broader drive for aerospace self-sufficiency. Without formal announcements, however, the plans are part of strengthening bilateral negotiations rather than confirmed defense purchases.

Also read: Meet these two 22-YO engineers who built India’s first AI-powered Robot that burns weeds with lasers instead of pesticides (startuppedia.in)