Russia hopes that its Su-57 fighter jet could prompt the Indian Air Force (IAF) to reconsider the stealth fighter. India and Russia had planned to develop the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) together, but the deal fell through due to cost and technical issues [1d5e8758]. Despite this, India still needs a capable fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The Su-57 is the first new fighter jet produced by Russia since the end of the Cold War. It is unlikely to be produced in large numbers due to the strain on the Russian economy. Russia and India have found a way to pay for Russian hardware in Rupees, which Russia then invests back into the Indian economy [1d5e8758]. Indian aerospace experts advise caution when it comes to the Su-57 due to technology and work share issues. However, the increase in Su-57 capabilities, including a second cockpit, could be hard to ignore. The Su-57 is equipped with advanced onboard radio-electronic equipment, stealth capabilities, and a range of missiles for air-to-air and ground strike missions [1d5e8758]. Russia is also looking to field the S-70 Okhotnik strike drone alongside the Su-57. The Su-57 is still far from fully operational, and its deployment in Ukraine during the conflict is uncertain. Currently, only one Su-57 is in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces [1d5e8758].
Indonesia has also shown interest in Russian fighter jets as part of its goal to have a 'sanctions-proof' economy. Despite threats of sanctions by the United States Treasury Department, Indonesia's $1.14 billion contract for the acquisition of 11 Su-35S fighter aircraft from Russia remains in force. This deal reflects Indonesia's desire to avoid over-reliance on Western suppliers and its efforts to insulate its economy from possible Western sanctions. Indonesia has taken steps to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and develop alternative payment systems. The country's historical experience with Western equipment and the risk of embargoes have led to its interest in Russian equipment. The acquisition of the Su-35S fighter jets has potentially significant strategic implications for Indonesia's future geopolitical alignment. It is unlikely that Indonesia will become fully reliant on Western combat aircraft and may consider acquiring new enhanced variants of the Su-35 or the Su-57 to further 'sanctions-proof' its economy and 'embargo-proof' its air force [6c25a7ed].