Will the USA allow it? The number of Su-57 fighters 'purchased' by India from Russia revealed 0 11

The Indian Ministry of Defense is considering the purchase of 40 fully combat-ready fifth-generation Su-57 fighters from Russia. This was reported by Military Watch Magazine (MWM) with reference to the Indian press.

The magazine notes that in the case of the Su-57, the Indian side may proceed similarly to the acquisition of 50 fourth-generation Su-30MKI aircraft, meaning that after purchasing several dozen ready-made fighters, they will gradually launch production on their territory.

The publication states that New Delhi is exploring three main scenarios — the purchase of ready-made aircraft, their licensed production in India, and the creation of its own variant of the fighter based on the Su-57. In the latter case, as MWM notes, the Indian version of the fifth-generation fighter will consist of Russian airframe and engines, supplemented by Indian avionics and software, and could significantly surpass the American F-35 in capabilities.

"The ability of Indian industry to provide a competitive onboard radar and other subsystems by the mid-2030s remains in question," the magazine notes.