In a strategic bid to enhance ties with India, Russia has proposed its fifth-generation Su-57E stealth fighter, assuring complete technological transparency and the provision of full source code, thereby addressing India’s concerns over foreign-supplied military equipment potentially containing hidden vulnerabilities. This offer stands in stark contrast to the American F-35 program, which limits operator nations’ control over the aircraft’s software. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) emphasizes that the Su-57E can serve the Indian Air Force (IAF) for up to 50 years, equipped with an open architecture that facilitates continuous upgrades and adaptations to future technologies, including the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles. This proposal aligns closely with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, allowing for indigenous integration of weapons and systems, thus promising both immediate stealth capabilities and long-term technological independence as the IAF navigates a critical phase of fleet modernization amidst depleting squadron strength. The Su-57E’s potential as a foundation for a future air combat ecosystem positions it as a significant component in India’s defense strategy.