NEW DELHI: Russia is studying potential investments plans to manufacture its Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets in India, defence sources told ANI, amid growing bonhomie between New Delhi and Moscow.India had earlier expressed the need for at least two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, with both Russia’s Su-57 and America’s F-35 in the race. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which already builds the Russian-origin Su-30 MKI in Nashik, is seen as a possible hub for Su-57 production if the plan materialises.

Russian agencies are currently assessing the level of investment required to manufacture the aircraft in India, defence sources told ANI.There are other facilities in India also where a number of other Russian origin equipment is manufactured and can be used in the fifth-generation fighter aircraft production, if required to be manufactured in India, which would also help cut costs, they added.The discussions come at a time when US President Donald Trump has targeted India with steep tariffs, 50% across sectors and an additional 25% citing Russian oil imports, while New Delhi continues to deepen ties with Moscow.In recent talks, India has sought advanced air defence systems like the S-400 and S-500 from Russia, while Moscow has been urging New Delhi to purchase Su-57 fighter jets.India was part of the Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft programme nearly a decade ago but later withdrew over differences.However, sources told ANI that the project could be revived given the current global scenario, even as the US continues to push its F-35 offer to India.Meanwhile, India is simultaneously developing its indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft, expected to take its first flight by 2028 and be commissioned by 2035.