In a significant advancement in Indo-Russian defense collaboration, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is reportedly 50% prepared to domestically produce the Su-57E stealth fighter jet, as confirmed by a high-level Russian delegation. This assessment, aligned with India’s push for defense self-reliance, underscores HAL’s strong foundation built over two decades of experience with Sukhoi aircraft. As Russia’s commitment to co-development and technology sharing grows, HAL is expected to submit a comprehensive roadmap to the Ministry of Defence by November, detailing necessary investments for full-scale production. Embracing the Su-57E could enhance India’s strategic capabilities while reducing dependency on foreign imports, reinforcing the significance of Indo-Russian defense ties in a changing geopolitical landscape.