Su-57, S-500, Super Sukhoi: Russia’s Major Defence Offers To India At BRICS Summit

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with Russian President Vladimir Putin arriving in the capital on Friday for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Defence cooperation is expected to feature prominently, with Moscow putting forward a range of proposals including the joint production of the Su-57 fighter jet and a major upgrade of India’s Su-30MKI fleet.

During his meeting with Putin, Modi said defence was among the issues discussed, alongside trade, infrastructure and technology. Other Russian proposals expected to feature in discussions include the S-500 air-defence system, additional S-400 support, Pantsir-S1M point-defence systems, advanced radars and strategic submarines.

S-500 Offer and S-400 Support

Russia is pitching its S-500 air-defence system to India as a potential next-generation addition to its air-defence capabilities. The system is reported to be capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 600 km, compared with the reported 400-km range of the S-400.

For India’s existing S-400 systems, Moscow has proposed setting up a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in India, potentially in partnership with an Indian company. The facility could strengthen local servicing and logistical support for the Russian-origin systems.

Su-57 Joint Production Proposal

The Su-57 has emerged as one of Russia’s key defence offerings to India. Moscow is proposing joint production of the fifth-generation stealth fighter in India, potentially giving New Delhi an opportunity to expand its future combat-aircraft capabilities while increasing domestic manufacturing.

Russia, China and the United States are currently the only countries operating or developing fifth-generation stealth fighter programmes, according to Russian state media.

‘Super Sukhoi’ Upgrade

Another major proposal involves upgrading India’s fleet of around 260 Su-30MKI fighter jets to the proposed “Super Sukhoi” standard.

The first phase is expected to cover 84 aircraft, with the overall upgrade programme estimated at more than $11 billion. The package could include new AESA radars, upgraded avionics, improved electronic-warfare systems and new engines.

The upgrades are aimed at extending the operational life and combat capability of the Su-30MKI fleet while significantly improving its sensors, electronic warfare and overall battlefield effectiveness.

Beyond defence, the BRICS Summit is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation among member states on common priorities, while leaders will discuss major global and regional developments.

The BRICS grouping currently includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Its partner countries include Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.