Amid Tariff Tussle with Trump, India to Get Deadly Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Production, Russia Begins, Report Says

As trade tensions escalate between India and the United States over punitive tariffs, a significant development in India’s defense sector is gaining momentum. Russia is exploring the production of its advanced Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet in India, aligning with New Delhi’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This move comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, reaching up to 50% on Indian goods, are straining bilateral ties, prompting India to deepen its defense partnership with Russia. Here’s an in-depth look at this strategic shift, its implications, and the broader context of India’s defense ambitions.

Russia’s Su-57 Offer: A Strategic Partnership

Russia has initiated studies to assess the investment required to manufacture the Su-57, a supersonic, twin-engine stealth fighter, in India. According to defense sources cited by ANI, Russian agencies are evaluating the feasibility of leveraging existing infrastructure, such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik plant, which already produces Su-30 MKI jets under license. This infrastructure could reduce costs and expedite production, potentially starting as early as 2025 if India approves the deal.

The Russian state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, has sweetened the proposal with full technology transfer, allowing India to customize the Su-57 with indigenous systems like AESA radars, avionics, and weaponry. This aligns with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, which prioritize local manufacturing and indigenization. The offer includes co-production and the establishment of industrial facilities, ensuring supply chains remain unaffected by Western sanctions—a key concern given global geopolitical dynamics.

India’s requirement for at least two to three squadrons (36–54 aircraft) of fifth-generation fighters makes the Su-57 a strong contender. The jet, designed to rival the U.S. F-35, boasts advanced stealth, cutting-edge avionics, and the ability to engage air, ground, and naval targets. Russia’s willingness to share technology contrasts with the U.S.’s reluctance to offer co-production for the F-35, making the Russian deal more appealing.

U.S. Tariffs and Strained Relations

The backdrop to this development is the escalating trade war with the U.S. In August 2025, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exports, with half attributed to India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil. This followed an earlier 25% tariff announcement, which India rejected as a shock to bilateral trade negotiations aiming to reach $500 billion by 2030. The tariffs, effective from August 27, 2025, are expected to slash Indian exports to the U.S. by $37 billion, impacting labor-intensive sectors like textiles and jewelry.

India’s response has been measured but firm. New Delhi rejected a U.S. offer to purchase F-35 jets, citing high costs ($80 million per unit), maintenance challenges, and the lack of co-production rights. This decision reflects India’s frustration with delayed U.S. defense deliveries, such as the GE F404 and F414 engines for the Tejas program and Apache helicopters. The U.S.’s criticism of India’s ties with Russia, coupled with Trump’s insistence on reducing India’s trade surplus, has further strained relations.

India’s Indigenous AMCA Program

Parallel to the Su-57 discussions, India is advancing its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Approved in 2024, the AMCA aims for its first flight by 2028 and commissioning by 2035. The program, led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and HAL, recently saw progress with a request for proposal (RFP) issued in June 2025, inviting private and foreign collaboration. However, with the AMCA a decade away, India faces an urgent need to bridge its fighter squadron gap—currently at 31 against a sanctioned strength of 42—especially as China deploys advanced J-20 and J-35A fighters and Pakistan considers acquiring the latter.

Strategic Implications

The Su-57 deal strengthens India-Russia defense ties at a time when U.S.-India relations are under pressure. Russia’s offer aligns with India’s strategic priorities, offering not only advanced technology but also economic benefits through local production. This contrasts with the F-35, which comes with high costs and stringent end-user monitoring, clashing with India’s self-reliance goals.

However, opting for the Su-57 could further strain ties with Washington, especially given Trump’s criticism of India’s Russian oil purchases (1.88 million barrels per day in 2025, saving India $3.5 billion annually). India’s rejection of the F-35 and pivot to Russia may escalate tensions, though New Delhi is exploring increased U.S. energy imports to mitigate trade disputes.

The deal also has regional implications. China’s growing military might and Pakistan’s potential acquisition of 40 J-35A fighters underscore India’s need for advanced air capabilities. The Su-57, combined with India’s recent orders for 97 Tejas jets and collaborations with France’s Safran for AMCA engines, signals a multi-pronged strategy to bolster air dominance.

Challenges and Considerations

While the Su-57 offer is lucrative, challenges remain. India previously withdrew from Russia’s Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft program in 2018 due to concerns over the jet’s stealth capabilities and development delays. The Su-57’s 2019 crash and limited serial production (started in 2022) raise questions about reliability. Moreover, India must weigh the geopolitical risks of aligning closer with Russia amid U.S. tariffs and potential sanctions.

The AMCA’s long timeline also complicates matters. Experts like retired IAF Air Marshal Anil Chopra suggest pausing foreign acquisitions to focus on accelerating the AMCA, possibly by acquiring Western technology and involving private players. This approach could ensure long-term self-reliance but may not address immediate squadron shortages.

Conclusion

Russia’s exploration of Su-57 production in India marks a pivotal moment in New Delhi’s defense strategy, driven by both strategic necessity and the fallout from U.S. tariffs. The deal offers India a chance to bolster its air force with cutting-edge technology while advancing its “Make in India” goals. However, it navigates a delicate balance between deepening ties with Russia and managing tensions with the U.S. As India advances its AMCA program and evaluates Russian and French partnerships, the coming years will test its ability to maintain strategic autonomy in a fraught geopolitical landscape. For now, the Su-57 deal signals India’s determination to secure its skies, regardless of trade wars or diplomatic pressures.

Sources: India.com, Reuters, The Economic Times, Times Now, CNBC TV18, September 1-2, 2025; ANI, India Today, August-September 2025 X posts.