Opinion How AMCA Jet's Superior Stealth and EW Capabilities Poised to Render Russian Su-57 ToT Offer Irrelevant for Indian Defence

Despite Moscow’s persistent offers of "deep technology transfer" to entice India back into the Su-57 Felon programme, defence experts and insiders are now firmly dismissing the proposal as outdated and strategically unnecessary.

In exclusive interactions with defence analysts, it has become clear that the argument for the Su-57—that it would accelerate India’s own fifth-generation capabilities—no longer holds water.

Experts assert that by the time any potential Su-57 deal could be operationalised, India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will likely have surpassed the Russian fighter in almost every critical technological aspect, barring raw weapons payload.

Diverging Trajectories: A Timeline Mismatch​

Even in the unlikely event of a government-to-government agreement being signed in 2026, the logistics of production suggest a significant delay.

The first Indian-assembled Su-57s, likely built from knock-down kits at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities in Nashik or Koraput, would not roll out before 2029–2030.

In contrast, the AMCA programme is adhering to a strict timeline that directly rivals this window.

The first prototype of the AMCA is scheduled for its maiden flight between late 2028 and early 2029. Following this, the first four pre-production aircraft are expected by 2031–32, with low-rate initial production commencing around 2034–35.

While the delivery timelines for both jets appear similar, their technological paths are moving in opposite directions: the AMCA is ascending towards true fifth-generation standards, while the Su-57 struggles to overcome legacy limitations.

Technological Leapfrog: Where AMCA Takes the Lead​

Avionics and Sensor Fusion​

The gap is perhaps most visible in avionics. The AMCA is set to feature the Uttam AESA Mk2 radar, powered by Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology and boasting over 1,400 Transmit/Receive (T/R) modules.

When paired with an indigenous Integrated Sensor Suite—comprising Infrared Search and Track (IRST), Electro-Optical Targeting Systems (EOTS), and a Distributed Aperture System (DAS) offering 360-degree coverage—the AMCA’s situational awareness will be two generations ahead of the Su-57’s N036 Byelka radar and 101KS Atoll optical suite.

Electronic Warfare and Network Centricity​

While the Russian platform continues to rely on external pods for electronic warfare (EW) and lacks a unified directional datalink, the AMCA is being designed as a node in a networked battlespace.

It will utilise the Software-Defined Unified Datalink (SDUDL) to seamlessly share data with Rafales, Tejas Mk2s, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), and unmanned systems. This level of integration remains absent in the Su-57's public demonstrations.

Stealth Engineering​

In terms of low observability, the AMCA has been designed from the ground up for stealth.

Features such as serpentine air intake ducts, a diverterless supersonic intake, and advanced Raman-scattering coatings are projected to reduce its frontal Radar Cross Section (RCS) to between -30 and -40 dBsm.

Conversely, the Su-57 has faced long-standing criticism for its semi-recessed rivets, exposed engine turbine blades, and panel gaps, which limit its stealth performance to an estimated -10 to -15 dBsm.

Propulsion and Sovereignty​

Russia has frequently touted its new Izdeliye 30 (AL-51F1) engine, yet full-rate production has faced repeated delays, and the engine is not yet operational on in-service fleets.

Meanwhile, India has secured a strategic path for its own propulsion needs. A 120 kN engine, jointly developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and France's Safran, is targeted for certification by 2033–34.

Unlike the Russian offer, this deal guarantees India full control over the intellectual property.

Weapons Integration​

The one area where analysts concede the Su-57 retains an edge is payload capacity. Its deeper internal bays can accommodate heavy ordnance, such as four R-37M long-range missiles.

However, the AMCA’s internal bays are being optimised for next-generation Indian weapons, including the Astra Mk3 with Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology, the Rudram anti-radiation missile series, and future smart cruise missiles.

The FGFA Ghost and Strategic Realities​

Current Russian overtures are seen by many as a repackaging of the Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project, from which India withdrew in 2018.

At that time, the rationale was that 200–250 co-developed jets would teach Indian engineers the art of stealth. That logic collapsed when it became evident that Russia was unwilling to share critical source codes or stealth technology.

"In the 2010s, we needed Russia to teach us how to build a fifth-generation fighter," noted one defence analyst. "In 2025, we don’t. The only thing Russia can offer now is a finished product for reverse-engineering, which is neither cost-effective nor politically viable."

Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape has shifted drastically. Any new contract with Moscow would inevitably fall under the stringent post-2022 sanctions regime, creating payment and supply chain hurdles similar to those plaguing the S-400 missile system and Ka-226T helicopter deals.

With the Indian Air Force already committed to acquiring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (likely the Rafale) and the AMCA programme fully funded under the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model with an estimated ₹15,000 crore for development, there is simply no operational gap for a small fleet of 50–100 Su-57s.

By 2035, a Su-57 in Indian colours would effectively be a heavy, fast, but technologically dated "Gen 4.75++" platform, vastly outclassed by the indigenous AMCA Mk1.

 

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[Muks]

Russia has offered something. French, American and HAL'S planned products won't arrive any sooner. Buying all of Russian felons and 177S engines may force it to halt its offensives on behalf of two provincial governments. Yes we find ourselves out on a branch unprotected. It will be a shit fight. It will probably become a mess. I suggest training ourselves how to fight but unlike Ukraine no one will do what the EU is doing to assist Ukraine. We once again like many times previously will have to depend upon our martial races.

The nature of warfare has changed. If one loses in the air, one loses the war. No amount of velour or hordes of martial races will help. You mentioned Ukraine. Once the fake propaganda are set aside, Russia occupies over 20% of Ukraininan territory. This despite every possible help by NATO, short of direct entry into the war.

This is a war, which Ukraine can't win, and NATO does not have the stomach for direct involvement because it would spiral into something they would have no control over. Russia holds all the cards. The sooner, Ukraine realizes it and makes peace with Russia, even at the cost of some losses the better. Otherwise, they will bleed indefinitely.

Returning back to the topic and my question. What is the IAF expected to do in the interim period?? Does India want to take a future risk without securing the present???

 

[P2S2]

The nature of warfare has changed. If one loses in the air, one loses the war. No amount of velour or hordes of martial races will help. You mentioned Ukraine. Once the fake propaganda are set aside, Russia occupies over 20% of Ukraininan territory. This despite every possible help by NATO, short of direct entry into the war.

This is a war, which Ukraine can't win, and NATO does not have the stomach for direct involvement because it would spiral into something they would have no control over. Russia holds all the cards. The sooner, Ukraine realizes it and makes peace with Russia, even at the cost of some losses the better. Otherwise, they will bleed indefinitely.

Returning back to the topic and my question. What is the IAF expected to do in the interim period?? Does India want to take a future risk without securing the present???

It's premature to ask those questions. Nobody knows the answer. We have to wait for Putin and take it from there.
No Russia is not winning the war in Ukraine. It has entered this war in support of two breakaway Ukrainian provinces and has managed to physically remove any semblance of Ukrainian illusions about their links to the Azov sea a so-called Slavic heartland. Like our Desh, feelings for their motherland run high in both Russia, Ukraine. Now Russia has removed Ukraine from the Azov sea something like Pakistan's attempts at removing India from Kashmir and eventually from the whole Punjab to be the sole continuation of the Indus civilisation.
But Russia has not managed to regain both those two breakaway states territories. That is what stops Russia from ending the war. It can't leave the scene and desert them. They are no match for Ukraine on their own. Previously they were slowly eroding as their residents moved across to call themselves Ukrainian and thus stood a chance of EU membership. Putin threw down the gauntlet and entered the fray. No he hasn't won. He risks losing his war. It's a catch 22 situation he can't kill off his people he can't abandon two Russian provinces to NATO. everything being equal EU is stronger than Russia with counting the rest of the world. He is trying to wean Turkeye from Europe but it has it's own dreams of weaning away the caucuses from Russia. In desperation he's courting India.

 

[Muks]

It's premature to ask those questions. Nobody knows the answer. We have to wait for Putin and take it from there.
No Russia is not winning the war in Ukraine. It has entered this war in support of two breakaway Ukrainian provinces and has managed to physically remove any semblance of Ukrainian illusions about their links to the Azov sea a so-called Slavic heartland. Like our Desh, feelings for their motherland run high in both Russia, Ukraine. Now Russia has removed Ukraine from the Azov sea something like Pakistan's attempts at removing India from Kashmir and eventually from the whole Punjab to be the sole continuation of the Indus civilisation.
But Russia has not managed to regain both those two breakaway states territories. That is what stops Russia from ending the war. It can't leave the scene and desert them. They are no match for Ukraine on their own. Previously they were slowly eroding as their residents moved across to call themselves Ukrainian and thus stood a chance of EU membership. Putin threw down the gauntlet and entered the fray. No he hasn't won. He risks losing his war. It's a catch 22 situation he can't kill off his people he can't abandon two Russian provinces to NATO. everything being equal EU is stronger than Russia with counting the rest of the world. He is trying to wean Turkeye from Europe but it has it's own dreams of weaning away the caucuses from Russia. In desperation he's courting India.

Russia does not need a clear military victory. The very fact that Russia controls more than 80% of the two provinces you refer to is enough. The rest will fall into place.

You are making the mistake of looking at it from Russias POV. Instead look at it from the Ukrainians POV. They were pushed or should I say conned into this war by NATO. On its own Ukraine had a chance for peace within a week of the start. But Zelensky walked away from a reasonable deal at Biden's prompting. Almost three bloody years later does anyone think Putin will give back an inch of what he has gained?? Especially knowing that it can't be done without full war with NATO including US. Can they afford it, knowing fully we'll that China will pounce on Taiwan?? So Russia is the only one sitting pretty in this conflict. Sure they have lost a lot of blood and equipment, but at least they have 20% of Ukraine to show for it. What have the others gained. As the Russians say Nada.

However, while it may be nice to talk about things, no one wants to address my question. What does the IAF do??

 

[P2S2]

The nature of warfare has changed. If one loses in the air, one loses the war. No amount of velour or hordes of martial races will help. You mentioned Ukraine. Once the fake propaganda are set aside, Russia occupies over 20% of Ukraininan territory. This despite every possible help by NATO, short of direct entry into the war.

This is a war, which Ukraine can't win, and NATO does not have the stomach for direct involvement because it would spiral into something they would have no control over. Russia holds all the cards. The sooner, Ukraine realizes it and makes peace with Russia, even at the cost of some losses the better. Otherwise, they will bleed indefinitely.

Returning back to the topic and my question. What is the IAF expected to do in the interim period?? Does India want to take a future risk without securing the present???

No the nature of warfare hasn't changed. B52s pounded North Vietnam. German planes pounded England. What hasn't changed is economics. Germany, Italy and Japan lost ww2 due to economics. Russia pulled out of Afghanistan same like America in both Vietnam and Afghanistan was due to economics. America prevailed in Iraq due to economics twice. First Saudi Arabia provided its eastern oilfields to USA on lease and they refilled up dormant oilfields in USA with Saudi oil. That oil is the backbone of American strength. We on the other side are energy deficient. We and China need Russian energy on a massive scale. China additionally needs freshwater from the Arctic. That's one of the underlying reasons for reducing population and allowing older generations to live in SE Asia where there's plenty of water. The cards Russia holds is natural resources. USA cut EU's links to Russian resources. Their resources are insufficient for both. Greenland has promising resources. The British Empire was denying access to the Indian Ocean for Russian resources thats why Afghanistan is linked to China. Wah Khan corridor that supplied logistics to Aksai Chin hideouts of Sikh Gurus was suddenly cut off and given to Afghanistan. Nobody understands that at the end of the game, it's economics that wins. The Russian Empire was strangled same like the attempted strangling of China.