New Delhi plans to direct its resources toward modernizing the Su-30MKI fighters already in service rather than purchasing new Russian Sukhoi aircraft, including the Su-57, Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said, according to Defence Security Asia.

Singh said India had not considered acquiring new Sukhoi jets and was instead actively working to upgrade the aircraft produced domestically under a Russian license.

The planned spending will cover several areas. Alongside the Su-30MKI modernization program, New Delhi is considering the purchase of additional French Rafale fighters and continuing development of its own fifth-generation AMCA aircraft.

The Indian Air Force operates about 260 Su-30MKIs. Their extensive upgrade program, known as Super Sukhoi, calls for new active electronically scanned array radars, modern communications systems and Indian-made long-range weapons.

In March, Singh said the authorities had not yet made a final decision on proposals from Russia, the United States and France. Defence Security Asia now assesses that New Delhi’s position has become considerably clearer.

Russia reportedly offered India between 36 and 40 Su-57 fighters, with the possibility of later assembling them at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited plant in Nashik, which already produces the Su-30MKI. Moscow also proposed transferring technology, joining work on the AMCA program and examining the use of AL-41 engines in upgraded Indian fighters.

The decision comes as India faces a shortage of combat aircraft. Defence Security Asia estimates that the Indian Air Force currently has about 29 to 31 squadrons, compared with an authorized strength of roughly 42. The gap widened after the retirement of the MiG-21 and reductions in the number of other aging aircraft.

The publication also points to the Su-30MKI’s role in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May 2025 as an argument for further investment in the fleet. The aircraft were used as carriers for BrahMos supersonic missiles. According to Defence Security Asia, their performance strengthened the position of officials who favor upgrading the existing combat fleet.