India Rejects Russian Su-57 Deal, Opts to Upgrade Existing Su-30MKI Fleet

India has closed the door on acquiring Russia’s Su-57 Felon, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stating that no new Sukhoi models will be bought in the near term. Russia’s state-owned Rostec and its Rosoboronexport arm had offered an unusually generous co-production and technology-sharing package, but New Delhi rejected the proposal. The Indian government will now concentrate on a “Super Sukhoi” upgrade programme for its Su-30MKI fleet, adding advanced avionics, electronic-warfare systems and weapons, and has ordered 12 more aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as a bridge to the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

While ties with Moscow remain for support of existing platforms, India continues to source equipment from multiple partners, exemplified by its operation of French-made Rafales. The shift reflects concerns over the Su-57’s cost, stealth capabilities and technology-transfer limits, as well as lessons from recent combat incidents involving modern air-defence threats.