S-500 and Su-57 on the table: What India could gain from its next big Russia defence deals
India and Russia are discussing major defense deals for missile systems. The S-500 missile defense system and Su-57 stealth fighter are key topics. These discussions aim to deepen military ties between the two nations. India faces an aircraft shortfall and regional air power challenges. Broader defense cooperation and potential upgrades were also on the agenda.
In a recent meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, discussions focused on two key defence deals: the S-500 missile defence system and the Su-57 stealth fighter jet. The S-500 is considered a step up from India's current S-400 system, which can protect against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
The S-500 is designed to take on ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons, making it a potentially valuable addition to India's air defence arsenal. However, unlike the S-400, the S-500 is not a straightforward purchase and is being pitched as a co-production between an Indian partner and Russian industry. The Su-57 stealth fighter jet was also mentioned in the meeting.
Russian officials have described the Su-57 as one of the best aircraft in the world, and there is talk of licensed production and integration of Indian-origin weapons systems onto the jet. The Indian Air Force currently faces an aircraft shortfall, and China's rapid development of fifth-generation and sixth-generation fighters is a concern for India's defensive posture.
With the S-400 likely to be retired by 2035, the Su-57 could play a crucial role in filling the gap. However, the deals are complicated by the United States' continued discomfort with India's procurement of Russian arms.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
