Russia Offers Su-57 to India; IAF Eyes AI-Driven Modernisation and 114 Rafale Deal

Russia has offered its fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter aircraft to India, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh said. He indicated that the aircraft could also be considered for production in India through cooperation between the two countries, although no decision has been taken on the proposal. Singh stressed that air power remains a crucial component of India’s overall military capability and called for an AI-augmented force to prepare the IAF for future warfare.

The IAF chief also said efforts are underway to finalise the long-pending Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme with France by the end of the current financial year, if the process progresses as planned. India cleared the proposal for 114 Rafale jets in February, and price negotiations and other key issues are currently under discussion. Singh said the IAF would need around 36–40 fighter aircraft every year in the coming years and emphasised the need for India to develop and manufacture fighter jet engines domestically.