India and Russia are seeking to expand their defence relationship beyond traditional arms purchases through projects involving BrahMos modernisation, Su-30MKI upgrades and possible Su-57 technology cooperation. The proposed model focuses on joint production, technology transfer, domestic manufacturing and potential exports. BrahMos remains the clearest example, combining Russian and Indian expertise in a supersonic cruise missile used by all three Indian armed services, with the Philippines becoming its first foreign customer. Discussions have included improved BrahMos variants, including potentially smaller versions for TEJAS and submarine-launched configurations, as well as longer-term hypersonic development around Mach 5. India is also considering the Super Sukhoi upgrade for around 260 Su-30MKIs, reportedly valued at about $11 billion, involving new AESA radars, avionics, electronic warfare, communications and weapons. Russia has proposed its Izdeliye 177S engine as one possible option. Moscow has additionally offered the Su-57, potentially with local production and technology transfer. The proposal comes as India continues development of the AMCA fifth-generation fighter and faces challenges in indigenous high-thrust engine development. Any agreement would require careful consideration of technology access, supply chains, maintenance, sanctions-related risks and the effect on AMCA.
