Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028, signaling a growing interest from Indian private players in sourcing Russian civil aircraft. “Now, moving into civil aviation represents a significant broadening of the scope of collaboration.”India’s venture into domestic civil aircraft manufacturing comes at a critical time. The country has become the world’s third-largest civil aviation market, trailing only the United States and China. HAL’s existing Nashik facility, which assembles Su-30MKIs, along with its Koraput and Kasaragod divisions handling engines and avionics, already possesses nearly half of the infrastructure needed for Su-57 production. By simultaneously securing civilian aircraft production and exploring fifth-generation fighter production, India is signaling its intent to become a comprehensive aerospace hub.