The Russian SU-57 and the US-made F-35 Lighting II are two of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter jets, and the Indian Air Force (IAF) will also try its own stealth. Despite this, they are facing each other at Aero India 2025. Aircraft, AMCA. However, in this iconic contest, some commentators have thrown their weight behind French Lafale fighter jets.
The Russian SU-57E Stealth Fighter flight demonstrator prototype will land on February 6th at Ellahanka Air Force Base in Bengaluru on February 6th, kick off on February 10th, and be concluded on February 14th is. To the Air Show: One runs an air demonstration, the other is for static displays.
In addition to this, Russian national military exporter Rosoboronexport also offers “golden trades” to the IAF.
“Rosoboronexport proposes a comprehensive development of cooperation on the SU-57E project. Among our proposals are the supply of ready-made aircraft, the organisation of joint production in India, and the fifth in India. We have the support of developing a generation of fighter jets,” announced Alexander Mikiev, director of Rosoboronexport.
Vadim Badekha, CEO of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), who has gained even more momentum on the pitch, told reporters at Aero India that Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft facilities could meet the SU-57 fifth demand He said he achieved the pace – domestically and internationally, the originating fighter jets reported by Russian state communications agency TASS.
“Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft factory, engaged in batch production of SU-57, has reached an excellent production pace that meets the growing demand of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the ability to acquire aircraft by foreign partners. “He said.
India has overlooked the provisional power plant of Sukhoi Su-57 for SU-30 MKI upgrades. You might consider Russian product 177
The statement seeks to dispel speculation that Russian aircraft production has been hit by shattering the Ukrainian war and international sanctions.
The Russian offer seeks to address the innate unrest felt in India with the rapid modernization of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which already has over 200 J-20 stealth fighter jets. In contrast, India’s fifth-generation “advanced medium fighter” (AMCA) will not enter service until 2034. By then, China had deployed up to 1,000 J-20s.
The PLAAF also unveiled the J-35A, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, working simultaneously with two sixth-generation fighter jets. Furthermore, Indian power Pakistan is poised to acquire around 40 J-35s from China, further expanding India’s stealth gap with its two enemies.
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SU-57 vs F-35
The SU-57’s debut at Aero India coincides with a visit to rival stealth aircraft, the American F-35 Lightning II. The two aircraft were found in the same tarmac and were captured for the first time in the same frame. Unlike the SU-57, the F-35 Lightning II is not officially offered to India.
However, the presence of both these aircraft in Aero India 2025 is interpreted as a potential contest for IAF contracts.
Anyway, it should be noted that the US has never explicitly stated that it is open to selling F-35s to India. Even India has shown no great interest in cutting-edge stealth aircraft.
Indian military experts believe that the sale of the F-35 to India does not involve the transfer of technology or co-production, but rather it involves defeating India’s quest for atmanirbalta (independence) in defense. They also argue that the purchase of the F-35 comes at the expense of India’s longstanding strategic autonomy policy.
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At the same time, military experts also point out that the F-35 has excellent stealth characteristics. Written by Eurasian Times, IAF veteran and experienced military expert Squadron leader Vijainder K. Thakur (RETD) said that the SU-57 is a defensive platform rather than an offensive platform. He said there is.
“With limited stealth, the SU-57 is optimized for air defense and short-range air strikes from within Russia’s airspace, and is intended to stop enemy ground attacks along its boundary.” Thakur said.
But as a country preparing for a two-sided war, India has infiltrated hostile air defense prevention and has put a preliminary strike to wipe out essential air forces and military infrastructure without being intercepted by the enemy. You may want a suitable stealth aircraft to start with. Experts question whether the SU-57, which has limited stealth characteristics, is ideal for the job.
Currently, the F-35 is “off the table” in India, but the SU-57 does not provide all the capabilities the IAF needs to deal with the twin threat posed by China and Pakistan.
However, some experts think it’s wise for India to do the best thing next, rather than being too expensive for the F-35 or “settled” for the SU-57.
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Rafale vs Su-57
In addition to adding five generations of aircraft, India is considering obtaining a multi-roll fighter under the MRFA contract.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) issued a request for information (RFI) to purchase 114 fighter jets under the MRFA in 2018. of many candidates in the fight.
Speaking to the Eurasian Times, Air Marshal Anil Khosla (RETD) said: AMCA project. ”
“We recommend going to a Rafale aircraft (at the stage) that has already been tested and guided. Adding another type of aircraft will add a wide variety of stocks. Most candidates are listed It offers benefits (TOT, MAKE IN INDIA, etc.); you need to evaluate the scope of these offers.”
Air Marshal Khosla emphasized that “the factors such as lifecycle costs, technology transfer, operation in India, delivery schedules, aircraft performance, and compatibility with already existing systems and weapons will be the key factors.” did.
If India places a great order on Rafales, it will serve as a bridging solution for the IAF when “India is staying between the secondary jaws of risks associated with available options.”
IAF veteran Air Marshal Anil Chopra (RETD) has proposed an alternative to the fifth generation fighter jet. Chopra said: “India can choose the Rafale F4 or F5 variant. You can also purchase 114 Rafale F4s under the MRFA contract. This will allow local production and will allow for “Make in India” The policy will be strengthened. Plus, you can purchase the most advanced iterations of the Rafale F5 to fill in the ability gap with your enemies. ”
The comparison between the SU-57 and Rafale is both multi-roll fighter jets and may not be easy, even if they share some similarities.
For example, the SU-57 is a five-generation stealth fighter, currently undergoing an upgrade and integrates sixth-generation technology. In contrast, the Lafale is a 4.5-generation aircraft with forward hemisphere stealth and super cruise capabilities.
The radar cross-section (RCS) of the SU-57 is estimated to be 0.1-0.5 square meters, lower than that of Rafale.
In contrast, Dassault Aviation states: Most of the stealth design features are classified, but some of them are visible, such as the serrated pattern on the trailing edge of the wing and canard. ”
Raphale’s supporters argue in favor of its detection capabilities. Rafale’s F4 variant radar and sensor upgrades facilitate detection of aerial stealth targets over long distances. The helmet-mounted display has improved functionality. Furthermore, improvements in communications equipment make it more effective in network-centric warfare.
In one example in 2009, Dassault Rafale “fires down” the US Air Force F-22 Raptor in a battle simulated during a training exercise in the United Arab Emirates. After the US denied that a French aircraft had shot down a Raptor, France released cockpit footage of the incident. Thus, it proved that Raphale can hunt down stealth fighters.
Additionally, the F5 variant of the aircraft is believed to share some features with the next generation aircraft being developed under the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.
The F5 variant has new sensors, armaments, and faster, safer capabilities for communication and collaboration. The aircraft has a much better electronic warfare suite with advanced capabilities for suppressing or destructing enemy defenses (SEAD/DEAD) using modern jamming systems and radiation-preventing weapons.
The aircraft could be delivered to France by the end of the decade and be acquired by India, as the Chopra s of the Ministry of Aviation.
This does not mean that Rafale is better than the SU-57, but there is a broad belief that it is more feasible for the IAF and supports interoperability. The IAF already operates 36 Rafale fighters, and the Indian Navy is directed at acquiring 26 Rafale Marines.
Russia has updated the pitch of its SU-57 aircraft to India, highlighting improvements in stealth, avionics and combat capabilities, including integration of hypersonic weapons, but the acquisition decision has been much broader, including geopolitics This is based on aspects of such acquisitions.
