Every modification without source code access requires bilateral clearance and outlays to foreign contractors. Diversification as leverageRussia has reportedly offered unprecedented access to the Su-57 fighter aircraft’s source code in consultations for co-production. Whether “full source code access” extends to mission system architecture or only limited avionics layers remains unclear. In India, indigenous value-add in major licensed production platforms has historically ranged between 25–35%, concentrated in structural manufacturing rather than mission systems. India’s fighter jet moment is less about air dominance and more about industrial positioning.

Source: The Hindu March 04, 2026 11:03 UTC