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Russia Confirms First Su-57E Export Delivery, Courts India With Licensed Production Offer

The move signals a drive to court partners to bolster a defense industry under sanctions pressure.

Overview

  • United Aircraft Corporation CEO Vadim Badekha said two Su-57E fighters were delivered to an unnamed foreign customer and have begun combat duty, with the buyer not identified.
  • At the Dubai Airshow, Russia displayed an upgraded Su-57E and asserted serial production, highlighting internal weapons bays, radar-absorbent design, and an AESA radar Russia reports can detect targets at about 240 km.
  • Moscow formally pitched India on a package that starts with deliveries and progresses to licensed production with what it calls “unrestricted” transfer of fifth‑generation technologies, including engines and software.
  • The offer to India includes long-term maintenance, integration support, licensed production of more than ten new air-launched weapons, and potential integration of Indian-origin munitions.
  • Analysts and company statements link the export push to financial strain from fixed-price procurement, wartime production demands, and sanctions, while noting export models likely differ from Russian frontline jets.