Russian Truth: India Buys 30 Su-57s from Russia, Core Technology Transfer Sets a Record
Russian Truth on July 11 reported that Indian Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that India and Russia have reached an agreement to purchase 30 Su-57E stealth fighters, with the transaction valued in billions of dollars. For the first time, Russia has opened up core source code, AL-41F engine hot end manufacturing technology, and radar control interfaces, and allowed India to produce 60% of components locally, setting a record for the highest level of technology transfer in Russian arms exports.
This cooperation directly stems from the urgent needs of the Indian Air Force. In the air battle at the India-Pakistan border in May 2025, three French Rafale aircraft, one MiG-29, and one Su-30 of India were shot down by Pakistan's J-10CE, exposing a generational disadvantage. Meanwhile, Pakistan confirmed that it will receive 40 Chinese J-35A stealth fighters in 2026, further increasing pressure on India. Former Air Chief Marshal Anil Chopra pointed out that India needs a "reliable partner" to avoid political pressure; the US-made F-35 was excluded due to strict usage restrictions and potential sanction risks, making the Su-57 the only viable option.
The "generosity" of Russia behind this is a strategic self-rescue under the Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions. Russian arms export revenue has plummeted by 35% due to sanctions, and India, as its largest buyer (accounting for 36% of Russia's weapons exports in 2023), has become a critical lifeline. Analysts believe that Russia is strengthening India's balancing capabilities through technological binding, which can maintain the operation of its military industry and also insert a wedge into the U.S.-India strategic partnership.
The deal will reshape the balance of power in South Asia. India plans to deploy the first 12 Su-57Es by the end of 2026 to the Ambari base, 200 kilometers from the China-India Line of Actual Control, and integrate the "Brahmos-NG" missile with a range of 500 kilometers. The Chief of the Pakistan Air Force urgently visited China to discuss countermeasures, while the U.S. faces a dilemma — if it sanctions India under the "Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act," it may disrupt its "Indo-Pacific Strategy" layout.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837443795586057/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.