Russia has reiterated the value of the Su-57 compared to the F-35 being offered to New Delhi by US President Donald Trump

India could quickly upgrade its existing production lines of Russian-designed fighter jets to assemble fifth-generation warplanes, Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport has claimed. The statement comes as India seeks to modernize its air force and is being courted by both Moscow and Washington.

In a statement on Friday, the Russian company lauded its collaboration with India's defense contractor, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which has successfully produced over 220 Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft.

There exists a path forward for the large-scale domestic modernization of Indian-operated Russian aircraft, the statement said, and "if the Indian side makes a positive decision, the factories currently assembling the Su-30MKI could be swiftly adapted to produce the Su-57E."

India's air force currently comprises 31 active fighter squadrons but aims to reach 42 by 2035. Unlike neighboring China, however, it currently has no fifth-generation jets. Just last month, Rosoboronexport suggested that domestically produced Su-57Es would be insulated from potential Western sanctions, making them a viable option.

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Washington, however, President Donald Trump proposed US-produced F-35s as an alternative. The US aims to significantly bolster military cooperation with India, which has traditionally relied on Russia for advanced weaponry but has concerns about future Russian deliveries due to sanctions. The F-35 is typically reserved for America's closest allies.

Both the Su-57 and F-35 were prominently featured at Asia's largest air show, Aero India, held last month in Bengaluru, where some commentators likened their presence to boxers engaged in a tense stare-down before a bout.

At the Aero India event, Rosoboronexport stated said it had offered to partner with India on further developing the export version of the Su-57 and localizing its production in India. New Delhi was initially part of a joint Russian-Indian project for developing a fifth-generation aircraft but withdrew in 2018.

(RT.com)