Russia Keen to Showcase Su-57 Stealth Fighter at Aero India 2025, May Face Off with US F-35A in Bid for India's Next-Gen Fighter

As Bangalore prepares to host Aero India 2025 in February, anticipation is building for a compelling display of aerospace and defence technology, with both Russia and the United States expected to showcase their fifth-generation fighter jets.

Reports indicate that Russia is eager to bring its Su-57 stealth fighter to the event, following the US's display of the F-35A at the 2023 edition. This airshow could be a pivotal event in shaping India's decisions regarding its next-generation fighter jet program.

The Russian Su-57, nicknamed "Felon" by NATO, represents Russia's cutting-edge entry into modern aerial combat. With advanced stealth capabilities, super-maneuverability, and integrated modular avionics, the Su-57 is designed to compete with the world's best, including the American F-22 and F-35.

Russia's keenness to showcase this aircraft at Aero India 2025 signals a strong intent to bolster defence ties with India, particularly as India seeks to acquire a fifth-generation fighter.

Russia's participation goes beyond a mere display of technology; it's about exploring potential collaborations. The Su-57 has been proposed for joint development or local production in India, aligning with the "Make in India" initiative.

Aero India 2025 could provide a platform for Russia to negotiate deals that could see the Su-57 integrated into the Indian Air Force (IAF), offering a rapid boost to India's air combat capabilities while its indigenous AMCA project matures.

The American F-35A Lightning II, which made its Indian debut at Aero India 2023, is also expected to return. Renowned for its stealth, supersonic speed, and multi-role capabilities, the F-35A has garnered global attention.

The US aims to utilize the airshow not only to demonstrate the jet's prowess but also to strengthen military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with India, amidst growing Chinese influence.

However, the F-35A's participation comes with geopolitical complexities. The US has traditionally been cautious about technology transfers, which could be a sticking point given India's emphasis on self-reliance in defence production. The presence of the F-35A at Aero India could signal a willingness to deepen collaboration with India, but the extent of this partnership remains to be seen.

India finds itself at a critical juncture, with its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) still some years away from operational deployment. The Su-57 and F-35A present immediate options that could complement or even influence the AMCA's development path. The IAF is actively seeking to modernize its fleet amidst regional security challenges, and Aero India 2025 could significantly influence its strategic direction.

The airshow will be more than just an exhibition of aircraft; it will be a forum for high-level defence dialogues. Discussions surrounding technology transfer, joint ventures, and the integration of foreign fighters into India's defence strategy will be crucial.

The likely participation of these next-generation fighters from both superpowers underscores the importance of Aero India as a venue for defence diplomacy, technology showcase, and potential deal-making, with implications that could reshape the future of air power in the region.

 

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[R. Singh]

What is the use of F-35 in airshow when it is not offered to India ! Better we focus on Su-57 !

 

[ku.nj727]

USA has differentiating opinions on defence and trade related sanction, with India as a main victim of it. India should have a keen eye on its AMCA project with acquiring a most suitable fifth generation aircraft as a temporary shield without showcasing much ,fleet and technology power. Most probably India should acquire a bunch of Su 57 as it is more useful for India with keeping in mind the red enemy or the green enemy. However with Russia's increasing bilateral relations with Pakistan, Iran or China it is important to have a long discussion before choosing any one.
Jai hind🇮🇳🇮🇳
🪷🪷

 

[sanket]

That's what I am saying: several times, Russia can offer Su-57 under Make in India, unlike the US. It can't match that offer plus the export potential, just like the BrahMos & AK-203 deal. But first, Russia has to address all demands of the IAF to even think about it, and another important thing is it will be a direct comparison between two stealth fighters: Su-57 vs F-35.

 

[desigandu]

Good, can the B2 spirit also show up briefly in Bangalore!

 

[ku.nj727]

Or maybe F117 nighthawk

 

[P.K Senapati]

India can go for Russian-origin stealth fighters, either the Su-67 or Su-75. They are like the F-22 and F-35. Russia will be a reliable defence partner, give TOT for Make in India, and will be less costly. We can get some technical knowledge or consultancy for indigenous projects like AMCA and UCAV.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

That's what I am saying: several times, Russia can offer Su-57 under Make in India, unlike the US. It can't match that offer plus the export potential, just like the BrahMos & AK-203 deal. But first, Russia has to address all demands of the IAF to even think about it, and another important thing is it will be a direct comparison between two stealth fighters: Su-57 vs F-35.

We must not procure large number of 5th gen jets from abroad. That will kill our 5th gen platforms. Importing 3-4 squadrons of 5th gen jets will help us in fulfilling immediate needs.

 

[Rame1]

Why don't we go for import of both SU 57 and F35 A to begin with since we know that China is multiplying and way ahead of us in aerospace and Pakis trying to shoulder us with their J 10 upbuild
Its not sure how SU57 will actually perform in dog fights. TOT comes much later.
Trump taking over shortly we should show serious interest in F 35 A keeping in view our neighborhood where minnows like Bangladesh are also trying to improve in acquiring defense arsenal.

 

[Mahesh Talreja]

Why don't we go for import of both SU 57 and F35 A to begin with since we know that China is multiplying and way ahead of us in aerospace and Pakis trying to shoulder us with their J 10 upbuild
Its not sure how SU57 will actually perform in dog fights. TOT comes much later.
Trump taking over shortly we should show serious interest in F 35 A keeping in view our neighborhood where minnows like Bangladesh are also trying to improve in acquiring defense arsenal.

Absolutely bang on. You stole my words. Let's import both SU 57 and F 35 in equal proportions till required capacity for now and keep building up 6th Gen / 7 th Gen Aircrafts.

 

[Anant]

Good, can the B2 spirit also show up briefly in Bangalore!

That is a statement that the US will not make, Sir.

 

[Anant]

Why don't we go for import of both SU 57 and F35 A to begin with since we know that China is multiplying and way ahead of us in aerospace and Pakis trying to shoulder us with their J 10 upbuild
Its not sure how SU57 will actually perform in dog fights. TOT comes much later.
Trump taking over shortly we should show serious interest in F 35 A keeping in view our neighborhood where minnows like Bangladesh are also trying to improve in acquiring defense arsenal.

Do you think the international arms market is like a normal sabzi-mandi or a supermarket where one can simply walk in and buy anything you want?

Do you think Russia would be inclined to sell Su-57s if they knew India was buying F-35s? Do you think the US would be inclined to offer F-35s if India was buying Su-57s? That is beyond the main assumption that both sides are offering stealth fighters, which isn't entirely true.

Tell me this: Would you want to sell the Tejas jets to a nation that also buys something like the JF-17 or J-10?

Arms sales are heavily influenced by geopolitics. This isn't like a case of buying detergent from opposing brands.

 

[Anant]

India can go for Russian-origin stealth fighters, either the Su-67 or Su-75. They are like the F-22 and F-35. Russia will be a reliable defence partner, give TOT for Make in India, and will be less costly. We can get some technical knowledge or consultancy for indigenous projects like AMCA and UCAV.

1. The Su-57 is nowhere near the F-22. Not by a country mile. It may be comparable in some aspects to the F-35, but that is about it.

2. The Su-75 doesn't exist beyond a few mockups, a set of design drawings, and hopes and dreams. Russia simply wants India to fund the project so they can get some money flowing.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Do you think Russia would be inclined to sell Su-57s if they knew India was buying F-35s? Do you think the US would be inclined to offer F-35s if India was buying Su-57s? That is beyond the main assumption that both sides are offering stealth fighters, which isn't entirely true.

Tell me this: Would you want to sell the Tejas jets to a nation that also buys something like the JF-17 or J-10?

Arms sales are heavily influenced by geopolitics. This isn't like a case of buying detergent from opposing brands.

Righto. F35s won't be sold to nations that have S400 missile batteries. Also if Russian stealth planes are bought, there could be problems with Quad data sharing policies. In this case we are left with basically no stealth plane to buy. We can see and feel awed at the planes and then feel frustrated as usual in chatrooms.

 

[Rame1]

Do you think the international arms market is like a normal sabzi-mandi or a supermarket where one can simply walk in and buy anything you want?

Do you think Russia would be inclined to sell Su-57s if they knew India was buying F-35s? Do you think the US would be inclined to offer F-35s if India was buying Su-57s? That is beyond the main assumption that both sides are offering stealth fighters, which isn't entirely true.

Tell me this: Would you want to sell the Tejas jets to a nation that also buys something like the JF-17 or J-10?

Arms sales are heavily influenced by geopolitics. This isn't like a case of buying detergent from opposing brands.

My dear international market will soon be sabzi mandi with money bags in fore front. What I meant was F 35 has to be in arsenal as these planes have proved to be good in dog fights as shown by Israel in their recent war.

 

[divapooja]

That's what I am saying: several times, Russia can offer Su-57 under Make in India, unlike the US. It can't match that offer plus the export potential, just like the BrahMos & AK-203 deal. But first, Russia has to address all demands of the IAF to even think about it, and another important thing is it will be a direct comparison between two stealth fighters: Su-57 vs F-35.

Bharath should play it's stretegy. It should propose for bidding both Russia and USA and 57 each with SU 57 and F35. So wait for the reaction from USA. My guts feeling that USA don't agree to be part of MRFA where Russia involved. This is better for Bharath to continue with Russia for SU 57 under tech transfer and make in India concept. This also boost AMCA project with tech know how.

 

[vinod nair]

Go for 3 squadron of each othwise go for 6 squadron of su57 with nation mission on developing aeroengines of various power by collaboration with every available player on ipr basis money should not be the criteria in this

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

This discussion itsitself is a waste. The govt and IAF has no plan to buy 5th gen fighters either from US or Russia. They have only plan to buy French weapons

 

[Anand S Jha]

F35 is true stealth jet. Russia should send its SU 75, not SU 57.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

1. The Su-57 is nowhere near the F-22. Not by a country mile. It may be comparable in some aspects to the F-35, but that is about it.

2. The Su-75 doesn't exist beyond a few mockups, a set of design drawings, and hopes and dreams. Russia simply wants India to fund the project so they can get some money flowing.

Comparing American and Russian jets are not exactly an apples to apples comparision as both have very different combat doctrines.
US doctrines emphasizes establishment of rapid air superiority over the combat zone.
Russia on the other hand knows it cannot achieve air superiority against Western air power. So it emphasizes area denial systems like the S 400/500 air defence systems. If you look at the Su 57, only frontal stealth has been prioritzed, it is meant to work within the range of friendly SAM systems.
It is upto our strategic planners to decide how we should approach any possible conflict and what we require for that.

 

[Mahesh Talreja]

Why don't we go for import of both SU 57 and F35 A to begin with since we know that China is multiplying and way ahead of us in aerospace and Pakis trying to shoulder us with their J 10 upbuild
Its not sure how SU57 will actually perform in dog fights. TOT comes much later.
Trump taking over shortly we should show serious interest in F 35 A keeping in view our neighborhood where minnows like Bangladesh are also trying to improve in acquiring defense arsenal.

If Trump and Putin both don't object to India's acquisition of both SU 57 & F 35 then we can really opt for it and try brokering peace between US & Russia. As it is Trump is a real Businessman who's not interested in fights of the kind the world is witnessing currently. He's more interested in business competition / fights. Infinite Salutes to Trump

 

[Mahesh Talreja]

Righto. F35s won't be sold to nations that have S400 missile batteries. Also if Russian stealth planes are bought, there could be problems with Quad data sharing policies. In this case we are left with basically no stealth plane to buy. We can see and feel awed at the planes and then feel frustrated as usual in chatrooms.

Yes QUAD data sharing policies would be the major stumbling block for Russia to sell SU 57 or SU 75... But then why is Russia participating in the AERO SHOW at Bangalore, since we are already in QUAD....

 

[Mahesh Talreja]

Do you think the international arms market is like a normal sabzi-mandi or a supermarket where one can simply walk in and buy anything you want?

Do you think Russia would be inclined to sell Su-57s if they knew India was buying F-35s? Do you think the US would be inclined to offer F-35s if India was buying Su-57s? That is beyond the main assumption that both sides are offering stealth fighters, which isn't entirely true.

Tell me this: Would you want to sell the Tejas jets to a nation that also buys something like the JF-17 or J-10?

Arms sales are heavily influenced by geopolitics. This isn't like a case of buying detergent from opposing brands.

I think all know we are not debating on a sabzi mandi... But as things stand today in the geo-political domain nations are changing colours like chameleons. Just observe why Germany refused to send missiles to Ukraine..? How did "Russia - China - Pakistan" Axis got created inspite of Pakistan being (till sometimes back) the favoured spoilt brat of US????

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Yes QUAD data sharing policies would be the major stumbling block for Russia to sell SU 57 or SU 75... But then why is Russia participating in the AERO SHOW at Bangalore, since we are already in QUAD....

One needs to compete in world events to keep good track record. Media coverage is important. Saab will also participate with a model Grippen plane although no plane may be sold. Sometimes u need to show up consistently to develop relationships with potential customers. After 2-3 yrs, there could be a breakthrough. Remmber Saab tried for 20 yrs to sell their Grippen till they were able to sell to Thailand and some other nations this year. Patience and endurance are keys to business success. I ever sold a software product after 2 years to a customer after we demonstrated several POCs for years without making any foothold in that company.

 

[Anant]

My dear international market will soon be sabzi mandi with money bags in fore front. What I meant was F 35 has to be in arsenal as these planes have proved to be good in dog fights as shown by Israel in their recent war.

Um, nope. There is a lot of influence that money does buy you in geopolitics, but it only goes so far. In today's world, money would get you enough influence to get something like the F-15 or F-16, but not enough to get something like the F-35. The West has already learnt that lesson.

 

[Anant]

I think all know we are not debating on a sabzi mandi... But as things stand today in the geo-political domain nations are changing colours like chameleons. Just observe why Germany refused to send missiles to Ukraine..? How did "Russia - China - Pakistan" Axis got created inspite of Pakistan being (till sometimes back) the favoured spoilt brat of US????

Yeah, no. Doesn't quite work that way. Geopolitics is always based on interest, and ideally rooted in pragmatism and common sense.

You mentioned Germany. Germany refused to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine because they felt (rightfully) concerned that Ukraine would use them within Russia. Germany has no love lost for Russia, but they are pragmatic enough to not want to unnecessarily escalate the situation. If they were really switching sides, you wouldn't see them supplying Ukraine with additional ground vehicles, SAMs, and anti-tank missiles.

As for Russia-China-Bhikaristan, it is not a new construct. Bhikaristan had cozied up to China pretty much since 1965, when the American arms embargo pushed them closer to China. The fact back then was that China was not a major concern to the West (that title went to the USSR, and China and the USSR had tense relations), and so Bhikaristan was simply another tool. It was only when China became a major issue when this idea of Bhikaristan allying with with China came to the front, though it has been there for about six decades now.

Part of the reason for that is also Bhikaristan's nature as a nation. They are perennial beggars with no concept of loyalty. As such, they will serve anyone who throws money their way. If the US were to, say, announce a large aid package to them, you'd very quickly see American drones being based in Bhikaristan again.

 

[Anant]

If Trump and Putin both don't object to India's acquisition of both SU 57 & F 35 then we can really opt for it and try brokering peace between US & Russia. As it is Trump is a real Businessman who's not interested in fights of the kind the world is witnessing currently. He's more interested in business competition / fights. Infinite Salutes to Trump

And both of them will very obviously object to such an acquisition. Again, don't go around thinking the arms market is the same as a supermarket.

 

[Anant]

F35 is true stealth jet. Russia should send its SU 75, not SU 57.

The Su-75 doesn't exist, and short of Russia finding some foolish nation willing to drop a few billion dollars on it, the jet will never exist beyond a set of mockups, design drawings, and peoples' hopes and dreams.

The Su-57 wins by dint of actually existing.

 

[Rame1]

If Trump and Putin both don't object to India's acquisition of both SU 57 & F 35 then we can really opt for it and try brokering peace between US & Russia. As it is Trump is a real Businessman who's not interested in fights of the kind the world is witnessing currently. He's more interested in business competition / fights. Infinite Salutes to Trump

Ha Ha. When Chinese can copy American design of F 35 and produce J 20 why can't we acquire both. Probably that can help us in our AMCA project.

 

[PKPRS]

Why don't we go for import of both SU 57 and F35 A to begin with since we know that China is multiplying and way ahead of us in aerospace and Pakis trying to shoulder us with their J 10 upbuild
Its not sure how SU57 will actually perform in dog fights. TOT comes much later.
Trump taking over shortly we should show serious interest in F 35 A keeping in view our neighborhood where minnows like Bangladesh are also trying to improve in acquiring defense arsenal.

How about FCAS and Tempest also.