IAF Poised for In-depth Evaluation of Russia's Su-57 Stealth Fighter at Aero India 2025, Potentially Filling 5-Gen Gap Amid AMCA Delays

The upcoming Aero India 2025 airshow in Bengaluru is generating significant anticipation as Russia prepares to showcase its advanced Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet. This presentation is of particular interest to the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is actively seeking to modernize its fleet with fifth-generation fighter technology.

With the potential for in-depth evaluation by IAF officials, the Su-57E, the export variant of the fighter, has emerged as a possible contender to fulfill India's air superiority needs.

Historically, Russia has limited India's access to the Su-57, citing legal restrictions. However, this year marks a shift in approach, with Russia actively promoting the Su-57E to India.

Senior IAF officers are expected to be granted unprecedented access to the Su-57 prototype, allowing them to closely examine its capabilities. While test flights by Indian pilots may not be on the agenda for Aero India, this firsthand inspection is a crucial step towards a potential acquisition.

The Su-57, also known as the "Felon," is Russia's answer to advanced fifth-generation fighters like the American F-22 and F-35. It boasts a suite of cutting-edge features, including stealth technology, exceptional maneuverability, and sophisticated avionics.

These capabilities position the Su-57 as a powerful platform for air superiority and multi-role missions. The export-oriented Su-57E offers these advancements to international partners, potentially at a competitive price point.

Russia's decision to showcase the Su-57 at Aero India 2025 is a strategic move to bolster defense ties with India. With India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), facing delays, the Su-57 presents a possible interim solution. It could bridge the capability gap until the AMCA is fully developed and deployed.

Should the IAF's initial assessment of the Su-57 prove positive, Russia may offer a production-ready Su-57 for in-flight testing in India. This would allow Indian pilots to evaluate the aircraft's performance in local conditions, a critical step previously hindered by restrictions.

This development comes at a crucial time for India, as it navigates evolving regional security challenges and seeks to maintain technological parity with neighboring countries. The Su-57's presence at Aero India 2025 could potentially rekindle negotiations and lead to a reassessment of the Su-57's role in India's long-term defense strategy.

 

[vyoma]

IAF is a gonner! We have been there and done and dusted with this platform. Everyone knows it can't even challenge Rafale on RCS, especially the engine placements are typically Su30ish, and high emitter of signals. one could see the fan blades from few pics, and the engine itself is exposed with no stealth skin at all. forget the RAM painting for now.

It has to do the S duct change to get stealthier. Plus India needs complete platform ToT.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

The Su-57 is a 4++ gen fighter at most. Engine development is some 5 years away. We already have Mk1A and Mk2 as 4++ gen fighters. The GOI already withdrew from the Su-57 program some 5 years ago after wasting some $400 million. Su-57...no chance. The GOI should request Trumpji for F-35s.

 

[Manju Natha]

Oh, those Russians. Their glossy product brochures tell a lot of things, but when put to the test, their real strength will be known. Their S-400 is nothing but a dud in Ukraine, Syria, Iran. Now the Chinese are making their own air defence system, but Indians are only buying Russian outdated military hardware.

 

[Sandeep]

Oh, those Russians. Their glossy product brochures tell a lot of things, but when put to the test, their real strength will be known. Their S-400 is nothing but a dud in Ukraine, Syria, Iran. Now the Chinese are making their own air defence system, but Indians are only buying Russian outdated military hardware.

No its actually worked very well against Ukraine drones and jets. Where the S400 was destroyed it was done by making a heavy saturated attack on it to overwhelm it before they can reload the missiles. That can happen with any SAM shield including the USA SAM system.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

No its actually worked very well against Ukraine drones and jets. Where the S400 was destroyed it was done by making a heavy saturated attack on it to overwhelm it before they can reload the missiles. That can happen with any SAM shield including the USA SAM system.

Right. Just 15 to 20 drones can take out a billion dollar S400.

 

[Sandeep]

There’s no harm in taking a close look at the jets, technology, capabilities and weapon handling. It could help us with some ideas or give any new insights or improvements that we can do on our jets.

The key focus should be on developing our own indigenous jets. Sort out manufacturing issues with the Tejas MK1A, develop the Tejas MK2 and AMCA as quickly as possible. Also the TEDBF is a key jet which can be used by the air force if they wanted more double engines jet.

 

[Sandeep]

Right. Just 15 to 20 drones can take out a billion dollar S400.

Yes they can. The S400 has four missiles with different ranges. If they launched 20 drones or small missiles then 4 will get intercepted but unless they reload quickly then 16 drones can destroy the unit.

 

[Preet]

Right. Just 15 to 20 drones can take out a billion dollar S400.

When you don't know the warfare, why poke your nose in unnecessarily?

S-400 isn't meant for drones!! Russia's mistake has been that S-400s were not shielded with Pantsir-type anti-drone systems.

BTW, S-400s have been the ones to shoot down all the ATACMS and Storm Shadows (long-range missiles—the best by the US and UK) when they were ordered recently by Biden after losing the election.

So know before you speak. What happened to an S-400 against a drone would happen to any long-range SAM system, be it THAAD, David Sling, HQ-9, or our future Kusha. Drones pose a new type of threat, and war tactics evolve with time. Just put an anti-drone Bhagvastra type of system around your S-400, and that's it!

 

[Preet]

The Su-57 is a 4++ gen fighter at most. Engine development is some 5 years away. We already have Mk1A and Mk2 as 4++ gen fighters. The GOI already withdrew from the Su-57 program some 5 years ago after wasting some $400 million. Su-57...no chance. The GOI should request Trumpji for F-35s.

If engine is ur concern, then J20/J35 are 4++ gen.. KAAN is 4++ gen too.. nd future AMCA would be 4++ gen too 🤣

But that's not how it works, noob!! These guys have IWB which makes a tonne of difference.. nd engine wise Russia is the closest, nd AL51 will go in production in 2025, it's not 5 years away!!

India can't get F35, it's a fact!! Understand it!! India will surely get Su57, nd Su57 is the best fighter with AL51 Engine!! Good Stealth (not as good as f35/f22), Damn good Electronics, Best weaponry, and Best manoeuvrability..

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

We can start an MIFGFA (Make in India Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft) program now, or an even cooler 5th-gen fighter jet procurement program like NGFGFA (Next-Generation Fighter Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft) or so, and now try to evaluate and decide between F-35, Su-57/Su-75, KF-21, or any other jet offered over the next 20 years!

But for the F-35, the US will ask us to get rid of S-400 systems and will stop us from going for Pantsir ADS, and there will be serious restrictions on its use, plus monitoring will undo all benefits of stealth.

 

[Monil Patel]

India should not spend a penny more on Russian fighters to me until su35 they were making good fighter but fifth gen they can't handle india should focus on mrfa and acquire rafales as fast as it can and speed up devlopment and production of Tejas Mk1a and Mk2 to replace mig21 and others ,only option to fill the gap till Amca is few squadrons of f35 and trump would be more willing to sell them to india and f35 are almost cost as rafales except operation cost so india can afford them ,don't fall on Russia trap they just want money to devlop other aircrafts,there su57 is crap that even Russian air force don't want

 

[psyrox]

SU 57 bets F22 / F35 in everything except Stealth and BVR. Apparently Stealth and BVR what is required to mark it as a 5th gen fighter jet. While it's still not tested in the fields. I'm sure India can learn much from them and prepare our AMCA's.
IAF will never ditch S400's for F35's. And F35 comes with lot of restrictions. You need a key everyday from US to activate the Jet.
Just think, in crucial times US doesn't cope and those jets will be as useless as sitting ducks.

 

[Pratyush07]

It’s hilarious how some people pretend to be defense analysts without any real data. The Su-57’s RCS is classified, and the only available estimates are based on the T-50 prototype, which isn’t even the final version. Comparing it to the LCA—a light fighter with a completely different role—is pure ignorance. But hey, some people just love to sound smart without knowing the basics.

Moreover, if you're suggesting that the IAF should procure American jets, remember that even the USAF’s closest allies don’t get full operational control. It’s like borrowing a smartphone from a friend but needing his fingerprint every time you want to use it. And if relations sour? Congratulations—you now own a multi-million-dollar paperweight.

 

[tipoo2]

Being specific, they sent the T-50 prototype, not a production Su-57, which wouldn't make sense anyway during a hot war. It's the same two airshow prototypes they sent to the Chinese airshow.

 

[Pratyush07]

Being specific, they sent the T-50 prototype, not a production Su-57, which wouldn't make sense anyway during a hot war. It's the same two airshow prototypes they sent to the Chinese airshow.

Our opinions on the Su-57 or F-35 hardly matter since neither has proven itself in any significant combat missions, and their true capabilities remain classified. Any public debate is mostly speculation. What truly matters is that the IAF has seasoned experts who understand operational and strategic needs far better than us rookies. They know best which aircraft to consider.

Right now, they are evaluating the Su-57, which is a logical step. If it meets their requirements, they should go for it without hesitation
.

 

[Rahul Dev]

China is flying 6th-gen fighters, Pakistan is procuring J-31s, Iran is procuring Su-35s from Russia, and Turkey has developed Kaan 5th-gen fighters.

We are the fourth-largest, powerful armed force in the world, and still flying only 4th-gen fighters is a matter of concern for us.

So, immediately procuring Su-57s, which are among the best warplanes in the world, with transfer of technology until our AMCA is developed, is the right decision.

 

[St. Thomas]

Are we still flying Mig 21? If so, let us not talk on any subject till that is taken to the junk yard. Our efforts to develop own engine for LCA has not taken fruit. Acquiring F35 from US is not feasible as they were never dependable and treat on equal terms when need comes. Russian machine is not worth the money we spent and the unnecessary anciliaries they force on with the deals like this. The best is to join Japan, Italy and UK as a sincere partner in developing the 6th Gen aircraft and till then procure 3 or 4 squadrons more of Rafale and keep developing the Tejas MK1 and MK2 along with upgrading the SU 30 MK1 we have, as per current plans to make them Super Sukhois.

 

[Pos2soP]

The Su-57 is a 4++ gen fighter at most. Engine development is some 5 years away. We already have Mk1A and Mk2 as 4++ gen fighters. The GOI already withdrew from the Su-57 program some 5 years ago after wasting some $400 million. Su-57...no chance. The GOI should request Trumpji for F-35s.

Co- production with Indian is stalled because of engine offered by russia is not upto the expectation of the IAF. Here it's export varient. So this may be for a short term goal. A message to Pakistan?

 

[R. Singh]

Since AMCA is 10-12 years away from now, better we buy Su-57 or F-35 which is easily available !

 

[KVS]

There’s no harm in taking a close look at the jets, technology, capabilities and weapon handling. It could help us with some ideas or give any new insights or improvements that we can do on our jets.

The key focus should be on developing our own indigenous jets. Sort out manufacturing issues with the Tejas MK1A, develop the Tejas MK2 and AMCA as quickly as possible. Also the TEDBF is a key jet which can be used by the air force if they wanted more double engines jet.

I appreciate your idea.
However, please note that our AMCA & TEDBF are atleast a decade away as of now. Even the Tejas Mk 2 will be available only after 2030. This is the sorry state of our affairs. 😐
So, it only makes sense to buy the best available option!🙂