The recently concluded Aero India 2025 witnessed a significant face-off between the U.S. F-35 fighter jet and Russia's SU-57. While the SU-57 soared across the skies, the F-35 was displayed on the ground. Both nations have offered these fifth-generation fighters to India, but how do they compare? This article delves into their features, capabilities, and suitability for India’s defense needs.
The Contenders: F-35 and SU-57
Both the F-35, manufactured by U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin, and the SU-57, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi, are fifth-generation fighters with advanced capabilities.
The F-35 is hailed as “the world’s most advanced multirole fighter jet” and boasts development collaboration from nine nations, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Each unit costs between $80 million and $115 million, making it a high-cost but high-performance aircraft.
The SU-57, Russia’s first advanced fighter since the Cold War, is marketed as an affordable alternative to the F-35. While Moscow has not disclosed exact costs, it claims the SU-57 is significantly cheaper. However, delays and production challenges have limited its deployment, with only 40 units manufactured since its maiden flight in 2010.
Technical Specifications: Under the Hood
Performance and Power
- F-35: A single-engine aircraft equipped with the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, it achieves a top speed of Mach 1.6. It has a range of 2,172 kilometers and a fuel capacity of 18,498 pounds, with a maximum altitude exceeding 50,000 feet.
- SU-57: A twin-engine fighter powered by Russia’s Saturn AL-41F1 engines, it reaches a higher top speed of Mach 1.8 and a range of 2,999 kilometers. It also operates at altitudes up to 54,100 feet.
Avionics and Weaponry
- F-35: Features cutting-edge systems like the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS) for missile and aircraft warnings, and the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for long-range precision strikes. Pilots benefit from the world’s most advanced helmet-mounted display, providing complete mission data on the visor.
- SU-57: Includes innovative features like a serrated exhaust nozzle for reduced radar signature and advanced onboard electronics, such as an AI “second pilot.” Its radar is integrated across the aircraft, while its internal weapons bays can carry up to 7.4 tons of armament, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
Global Adoption and Production Challenges
- F-35: With over 1,000 units in service across multiple nations, the F-35 is widely regarded as a successful platform.
- SU-57: Russia has faced development delays, with full-scale production beginning only in 2022. A crash in 2019 and concerns over its stealth capabilities have further hampered its reputation. To date, no confirmed international buyer has been announced for the SU-57.
Why Does India Need a Fifth-Generation Fighter?
India’s Air Force comprises 2,229 aircraft, including around 600 fighter jets, but lacks a fifth-generation platform. The current fleet includes fourth-generation jets like the Dassault Rafale, which fall short of matching the advanced capabilities of Chinese and Pakistani counterparts.
China has inducted over 200 J-20 stealth fighters and is working toward a fleet of 1,500 fifth- and sixth-generation jets by 2035. Pakistan has plans to acquire fifth-generation fighters from China and Turkey, further increasing the challenge for India in a potential two-front war scenario.
India’s indigenous fifth-generation program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is still under development and unlikely to enter service before 2036, leaving a critical gap in air power.
Expert Opinions: Pros and Cons
- SU-57: Some experts dismiss the SU-57 as an inadequate option for countering China. Defense journalist Angad Singh called it “the least-capable fifth-generation fighter” with minimal utility against Chinese advancements.
- F-35: While advanced, the F-35 has faced criticism for being cost-intensive. Zen Technologies’ chairman, Ashok Atluri, referred to it as a “white elephant” and advocated for India to focus on drones and anti-drone systems instead.
Conclusion
Both the F-35 and SU-57 have unique strengths and challenges. The F-35 offers unmatched technological capabilities and global reliability but comes at a steep price. Meanwhile, the SU-57 presents a more economical alternative but lags in production and global adoption. As India evaluates its options, it must carefully balance cost, capability, and geopolitical considerations to strengthen its air force in a rapidly evolving security landscape
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