On February 6th, a flight demonstrator prototype of the Russian SU-57E stealth fighter landed at Elahnka Air Force Base in Bengaluru, taking part in Aero India 2025.
India is set to become the second country where Russia introduces the SU-57E stealth fighter. In November 2024, Russia’s SU-57E, an export variant of stealth fighters, made an impressive debut at the China International Aviation and Aerospace exhibition in Zhuhai.
Russia exhibited two SU-57 aircraft at the airshow. One held an aviation demonstration, and the other was statically displayed.
During the event, Russian state military exporter Rosboronexoport announced the signing of an initial contract to deliver the SU-57E to an unknown foreign client.
SU-57 Pitch to India
Russian test pilot and hero Sergei Bogdan pilots the SU-57E (054) during a demonstration flight in Bengaluru and presents an updated flight display sequence.
Visitors to Aero India will also have the opportunity to “fly” the SU-57E interactive simulator, which incorporates virtual reality elements.
UAC CEO Vadim Badekha said: “India has been a long-standing strategic partner and operates a significant amount of Russian equipment. We have created a long history of successful cooperation between our countries in the development of new generations of aviation equipment. Ready to continue.
“We are pleased to announce that we are a great opportunity to see the company’s efforts to ensure that we are a part of the world,” said Alexander Mikheev, director of Rosoboronexport. Our proposals include the supply of ready-made aircraft, the organisation of joint production in India, and the development of Indian fifth generation fighter jets. ”
Clearly, Russia is working together to revive India’s interest in the SU-57 programme.
FGFA Program
India and Russia signed a preliminary agreement in October 2007 to jointly develop the fifth generation fighter jet (FGFA).
In early 2010, both countries agreed to it being based on the FGFA prototype T-50 design (current SU-57). FGFA was intended to be a twin seat variant of the SU-57, which incorporates IAF-specific customizations.
The formal agreement on the development of FGFA was signed on December 21, 2010 and included a preliminary design (PD) contract worth $295 million.
Under the PD contract, the Indian engineer took 20 training courses to get used to the aircraft. This training was completed in July 2011. However, the project did not move further due to differences in opinion over costs, India’s Workshare, Technology Transfer Scope (TOT), and delivery schedules.
Reports suggest that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is unable to super cruise aircraft with stage 1 engines and that there are concerns about the lack of all aspect stealth.
Stopping the FGFA project
These reservations have resulted in India being suspended from participating in the FGFA project and leaving the option to acquire aircraft open at a later date.
In July 2018, Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the press: However, the options remain and you can ask them to go back to a later stage and buy the fighter. ”
Since then, Russia has addressed many concerns cited by the IAF during aircraft development and operational testing.
Upgrades and performance enhancements
The latest SU-57 variant is equipped with an AL-51 Stage 2 engine that promotes SuperCruise. The new engine produces 11 tons of dry thrust with afterburner and 17.5 tons with afterburner compared to the early AL-41F1 engine, which produced 9 tons of drying and 14.5 tons of 14.5 tons with afterburner.
With this thrust increased dramatically, the SU-57 will super cruise at speeds up to MACH 1.6. Some Russian sources claim that the SU-57 is currently the fastest super cruise fighter jet, and can last close to Mach 2 without the use of an afterburner.
Additionally, the Stage 2 engine enhances the stealth capabilities of the aircraft. It features a sawtooth exhaust nozzle, also known as a chevron nozzle, which changes the temperature distribution and shape of the exhaust plume. This design reduces the infrared (IR) and radar signatures of fighter jets, making detection and tracking difficult.
Russia is already developing the twin seat variant of the SU-57 for its loyal Wingman UCAV business, which meets pilot training requirements. If India chooses to restart its FGFA program, it will benefit from this twin seat variant without funding its development.
Since India has put the FGFA on hold, Russia has not only improved its SU-57, but also operated and tested its stealth fighter. First in Syria in Ukraine.
Furthermore, Russia has completed the development of various weapons systems designed to fit within the aircraft’s internal weapons bay.
Tips for India’s new interest in SU-57
There are signs of renewed interest in India in the FGFA programme.
Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia for the summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July 2024, the summit agenda stated that “On joint development of Fifth Generation Fighter (FGFA)” It included a resumption of discussion.” ”
Perhaps the strongest hint of India’s new interest in the SU-57 is that the country is interested in the US F-35 stealth fighter jet despite growing stealth threats from across India’s northern and western borders It comes from the fact that it does not show.
Both India’s enemies, China and Pakistan, are committed to a massive deployment of stealth fighters.
PLAAF is rapidly expanding its inventory of Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter bombers.
PAF has plans to acquire a considerable number of Chinese Shenyan J-31 stealth fighters.
There are also plans for Türkiye and Pakistan to jointly establish a factory for the production of Kaan Fighter Jets.
At the eighth meeting of the Pak-Turkish Industrial Expo, representatives from 32 agencies reportedly have completed plans for the Ankara-Islamabad partnership to manufacture underdeveloped stealth fighters.
By 2030, the PLAAF could potentially supply around 300 J-20 stealth fighter bombers to the field, with the PAF likely having around 30 J-31 stealth fighters.
This stealth accumulation could create a significant operational gap in the IAF’s ability to protect India’s airspace. This is a gap that could tempt your enemy to adventurism.
Given these developments, it is rare that the IAF and the Ministry of Defense (MOD) are underestimating the threat of stealth fighters from the enemy.
Vijainder K Thakur is a retired IAF Jaguar pilot, author, software architect, entrepreneur and military analyst. For the author’s personal views, please follow the author @vkthakur
