Russia has intensified its marketing efforts for the Su-57E stealth fighter to India, framing it as a long-term strategic platform capable of serving the Indian Air Force (IAF) for up to 50 years. The aircraft’s modular design facilitates the integration of new weapons and technologies, potentially allowing Indian enterprises like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to customize systems independently through unprecedented access to source code. A senior official from Rostec indicated that the overall cost of acquiring the Su-57E could be nearly half that of the Rafale jets under India’s Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, suggesting that India could procure 200-230 Su-57Es for a similar investment. The potential for comprehensive technology transfer positions the Su-57E as not just a fighter acquisition but as a long-term industrial partnership, enabling India to enhance its operational sovereignty and adapt rapidly to evolving threats. This development is significant as it could influence India’s strategic choices between a larger fleet of fifth-generation fighters with substantial customization rights versus a smaller number of advanced 4.5-generation aircraft with limited upgrade options.