The Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Preet Singh, said that New Delhi has not yet made a decision on purchasing the Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets.
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Singh explained this during a press conference held to mark Indian Air Force Day, which is celebrated on October 8.
As reported by The Indian Express, Singh acknowledged that the number of fighter squadrons in the Indian Air Force has now fallen to less than 30, following the retirement of the Soviet-era MiG-21 fighters, while the country needs 42 squadrons.
Accordingly, Delhi hopes to bolster the country's air force annually over the next few years with between 36 and 40 new combat aircraft. The primary focus will be on the production and development of the Indian-made Tejas and AMCA fighters. Additionally, the contract to purchase 114 French Rafale fighter jets remains on the table, and Singh stated that it is likely to be signed during the current fiscal year.
The Indian military commander also hopes to receive 12 additional Su-30MKI fighter jets within the next two years, which are assembled in India under a Russian license.
Regarding the Su-57, Singh confirmed that Russia had made its offer, but said that New Delhi needed to carefully consider the purchase of modern fighter jets, especially as India's rivals were acquiring fifth-generation aircraft. In this context, reports of Pakistan potentially purchasing up to 40 Chinese J-35 stealth fighters are raising concerns among the Indian Air Force Chief of Staff.
It is worth noting that NDTV reported earlier this month that India is considering purchasing 40 Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets. According to the Times of India, Indian authorities were considering the Su-57 as a suitable option for the Indian Air Force, given that Moscow is offering India technology transfer and the possibility of localizing production.
It is known that Russia had offered India unprecedented terms for military-technical cooperation, including the joint production of Su-57 fighter jets in India along with the transfer of sensitive technologies. This approach aligns with the "Make in India" program championed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to the news agency ANI, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has been producing Russian Su-30MKI fighters in recent years under license, is a leading candidate to produce the Su-57 in India.
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