Sukhoi Su-57: Will India Choose Russia’s Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter Over the F-35?

As India intensifies its quest to modernize the Indian Air Force (IAF), the debate over choosing a fifth-generation stealth fighter has gained momentum. Two powerful contenders dominate this conversation: the Sukhoi Su-57 from Russia and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II from the United States. While both aircraft represent cutting-edge technology, India’s choice will be influenced by strategic alliances, technical requirements, and long-term defence self-reliance goals.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about the Sukhoi Su-57, its relevance to India, and how it stacks up against the F-35.

What is the Sukhoi Su-57?

The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia’s first operational fifth-generation stealth fighter. Developed by Sukhoi, a part of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), it is designed for air superiority and ground attack missions with stealth, agility, and advanced avionics.

Key Features:

• Stealth Technology: Radar cross-section reduction through airframe shaping and radar-absorbing materials

• Supermaneuverability: 3D thrust vectoring for unmatched agility

• Speed: Mach 2+

• Combat Radius: ~1,500 km

• Multirole Capability: Air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare

• Internal Weapon Bays: Supports stealth during combat

• Future Engine: Izdeliye 30 (under development), to enhance thrust and supercruise ability

Su-57 India: Past, Present & Possibilities

India was once part of the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) program—a joint Indo-Russian venture to co-develop a two-seat variant of the Su-57. However, in 2018, India withdrew from the FGFA project due to concerns over:

• Lack of true fifth-gen features

• Underperformance in stealth and avionics

• Limited technology transfer

• High project costs

But is the Door Closed?

Not quite. India has kept the option open to procure the Su-57 once it matures. Since then:

• The Su-57 has been deployed in Syria and Ukraine

• Russia claims to have fixed major stealth and engine issues

• The Izdeliye 30 engine is undergoing flight testing and may be operational in Su-57s delivered post-2025

As of 2025, unconfirmed reports suggest India may reconsider acquiring Su-57 variants, especially if the aircraft fulfills the IAF’s demand for a twin-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter—something not offered by the F-35.

F-35 vs Su-57: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Why India May Prefer Su-57 Over F-35

Strategic Autonomy

The U.S. imposes strict end-user monitoring, limiting operational independence. Russia offers greater flexibility and may allow customization or co-production, especially if revived under the FGFA framework.

Budget Constraints

The Su-57 is more cost-effective per unit than the F-35 and may suit India’s stretched defence budget.

Engine Power and Agility

Su-57’s 3D thrust vectoring and dual-engine configuration offer better survivability in contested airspace like the Himalayas or Indo-Pacific regions.

Two-Seat Variant Potential

India needs a dual-seat version for mission flexibility and operational training—something not available in the F-35 line.

Challenges with Su-57 for India

• Unproven Reliability: Still undergoing trials; lacks combat-proven maturity compared to Western fighters

• Production Delays: Russian defence manufacturing slowed due to sanctions and war-time economy

• Lack of Global Ecosystem: The F-35 benefits from a vast network of partner nations; Su-57 doesn’t

Su-57 vs F-35: Which Fighter is Better for India?

There’s no clear-cut winner. The F-35 is the most advanced in terms of stealth, network warfare, and battle-tested systems, while the Su-57 offers agility, customization potential, and cost advantage.

India’s decision will depend on:

• Geopolitical alignments

• Technology transfer and Make in India provisions

• Urgency of IAF’s requirements

• Long-term partnership value

Conclusion

While the F-35 is tempting, India may reject both F-35 and Su-57 for now and instead focus on:

• Scaling up Tejas Mk-1A production

• Accelerating AMCA development

• Reconsidering a custom FGFA-style Su-57 variant with twin seats and indigenous systems

India’s focus remains on strategic independence and indigenous capability building, but short-term acquisitions cannot be ruled out—especially if tensions escalate along the borders.

Sharing is caring!