The Indian Air Force is planning a large-scale replenishment of its fleet with the latest Russian fifth-generation fighter jets, according to Military Watch Magazine (MWM).
According to the publication, the Indian Ministry of Defence is considering the urgent purchase of two squadrons of ready-made fighter jets from Russia. At the same time, negotiations are underway to conclude a contract for the licensed production of five more squadrons on Indian territory. The aircraft will likely be assembled at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited plant in Nashik.
“Considering that each Indian Air Force squadron has about 20 fighter jets, this will allow for the formation of a fleet of approximately 140 new-generation combat aircraft and radically change the capabilities of the combat fleet,” MWM noted.
According to the authors of the publication, the Indian Defence Ministry’s increased interest in the Su-57 is due to modern operational requirements. The Russian fighter has a significantly longer range than other aircraft in the region and any Western counterpart. Its air-to-air missiles and cruise missiles allow it to strike targets deep behind enemy lines.
Earlier, the European Union expressed concern about the Indian military’s participation in the Russian-Belarusian Zapad 2025 exercises.
