Russian Su-57E Fighter Jet Falls Short of IAF's Stringent 5th-Gen Requirements, Making Indigenous AMCA More Appealing

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is showing little interest in acquiring the Russian-made Su-57E fighter jet, citing concerns that the aircraft does not meet the stringent requirements for a true fifth-generation platform.

A senior IAF official, speaking at the Aero India 2025 event, stated that the Su-57E has several shortcomings.

The IAF's assessment is that even if it were to buy the Su-57E, significant changes would be needed. Specifically, the plane's radar and avionics systems – the electronic 'brains' and 'eyes' of a fighter jet – would require complete replacement. This integration process would be lengthy, delaying the aircraft's operational readiness.

The IAF believes that by the time these upgrades were finished, India's own domestically developed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) would likely be ready to enter service.

The AMCA is a fifth-generation fighter jet being developed by India's DRDO and HAL. It is designed to incorporate key fifth-generation features, such as stealth technology, advanced sensors, and the ability to carry a wide range of weapons. The first flight of AMCA is expected by 2028, according to DRDO, and the production may start around 2034-35.

When questioned about Pakistan potentially acquiring the J-35A from China, IAF officials stated that the service is applying a measured response. The IAF will use its past experience when Pakistan acquired F16s fighter jets.

During the 1980s, IAF acquired Mirage-2000s and Mig-29As to counter the F-16s of Pakistan. This time, IAF is taking a strategic, long-term view. The IAF is prioritizing the creation and fielding of domestically produced advanced platforms, like the AMCA, over quick-fix acquisitions.

The IAF's position underscores its dedication to building a self-sufficient defence infrastructure. It also emphasizes that the Air Force's future fighter fleet must meet its long-term operational needs, rather than being driven by short-term reactions to regional developments.

 

[COHEN MARC]

Why are Indian politicians messing up the importance of the F-15EX used by the Israelis, which has been proven by Israeli pilots to be a versatile plane? Time and again, Israeli forces have successfully used F-15s to get rid of Middle Eastern terrorists. Why is India taking so many risks on a plane from HAL, AMCA, which has been a nightmare for Indian pilots? By now, Indian pilots and ground crew should have been in the United States training on the F-15EXs' flying and maintenance. Time is running out for India to purchase the F-15EXs before war breaks out. The Chinese have been preparing for a quick war with India, with Pakistan, Bangladesh. India should move fast.

 

[ckraju]

Looks to be sensible statements. Indian pilots have sacrificed lives providing valuable feedback to foreign aircraft manufacturers about design flaws, through subsequent crash inquiries. Enough of it.

 

[Chanderkiran Nanda]

Well I feel for general understanding features of 5th generation may please be spelled out. It may be different for different environments. Plus the capability of the pilot would be of more relevance in using the technology.

 

[Spectator]

Even birds fly. Just because SU 57 has wings and engines, it doesn't provide any justification for buying. IAF shouldn't even consider it, even if it's offered free of cost. RAFALE, or F15 EX, or for that matter any other 4.5+ can be considered. Not this. IAF needs genuine fighter jets, not for conducting any aerial circus. COBRA, Pugachev maneuverability is no more relevant in today's aerial combat. BVR Missiles, technology driven by AI, networking between different platforms with user-friendly UI holds the key. F35 is not known for its maneuverability, but still it's a potent platform because of its cutting-edge technology.

I don't know why you think that way, actually.

The Su-57 is considered superior in Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat due to its combination of advanced radar, stealth capabilities, and integration of the R-37M missile. It's a long-range air-to-air missile, is one of the key factors that enhance the Su-57's effectiveness in BVR engagements.

 

[Spectator]

For F-35 fanboys.

The maximum range at which an F-35 could potentially detect and track an Su-57 is estimated to be around 150-200 km under optimal conditions. This takes into account the Su-57's reduced stealth profile compared to the F-35 and the capabilities of the F-35's AN/APG-81 AESA radar, which is designed for long-range detection of both stealthy and non-stealthy aircraft.

So, both the Su-57 and F-35 can track each other at similar distances.

So, I would prefer the Su-57 over the F-35 due to its cost-effectiveness and reliability.

And, of course, its armaments.

The Su-57 has a huge variety of weapon systems that can be used for multiple purposes, for example, the R-37 BVR missiles and etc...

 

[Abuiase Az]

I love the IAF's decision. Foreign fighter aircraft are not good for the long-term interest, and India is to become a superpower. It is good only for short-term interest. So, we should prefer the long-term interest of the country.

 

[Amit Ray]

The Russian offer is good and should be accepted pronto. Since it will be manufactured in HAL, there should be no hassles, especially with TOT. These AMCAs will take at least ten years for induction, if not more.

 

[vikrantrao]

As usual, most of the time, Russian defence platforms are not fully developed, or rather, poorly developed, but Russia is eager to sell its defence hardware, e.g., T-90 tank and Su-30. These were dud platforms until and unless India showed interest to procure them and finally developed them. So, all in all, Russia needs money from foreign countries to develop their own platforms; this is the Russian style of management—awkward, clumsy, and botched, but sometimes remarkable.

What rubbish. Russian platforms are more cost effective, rugged and serviceable compared to all the political riders that come with anything from the US. The US wasn't willing to share vaccines with India and you think they'll give India carte blanche when it comes to a conflict!? They already sabotaged India in the '99 Kargil war and guess who rescued us- the Russians! Whatever you think of Russian tech it has withstood everything NATO has thrown at it for 3+ years and if you believe everything written by the NYT, CNN or WaPo about Russian hardware and military ability then there are several bridges in Brooklyn waiting to be sold to you. Wake up ffs!

 

[vikrantrao]

Where is all this confidence about an F35 and ToT or a sale coming from?? Every decade the US indulges in these PR exercises. Ukraine should've taught us that the US military is all about hollywood and Pentagon Press Releases back slapping themselves and constantly pushing propaganda about their abilities. Well, the rubber met the road in Ukraine and we now know NATO and US weapons are capable of destruction against women& children or sandal wearing tribals but against a peer adversary they are just avg! Ukrainians themselves claim how useless NATO hardware is compared to their own more rugged and serviceable eqt not to mention how Russian EW suites have laid bare the best of NATO strike munitions! Add to this the fact that no aircraft is entirely "invisible" and the F35, F22 have all been painted by S-300 radars in Syria only tks to an agreement between the Russians and the Israelis none were brought down but then last Oct'23 we saw how 100km outside Iranian airspace their ADs picked up the 'O' Great One' stealth F35s and the pilots had to fire their loads and turn tail! F35 is an overpriced white elephant. It is being made redundant by AD missile tech such as hypersonics which l, if you believe the US propaganda they invented and already have a suite of hypersonic weapons when infact, they don't even have a perfected HGV!! The level of hype and exaggeration of US capabilities is astonishing and only surpassed by the babus and ignorant media who love their US junkets and act as stenographers to the Pentagon.

 

[vikrant rao]

Why are Indian politicians messing up the importance of the F-15EX used by the Israelis, which has been proven by Israeli pilots to be a versatile plane? Time and again, Israeli forces have successfully used F-15s to get rid of Middle Eastern terrorists. Why is India taking so many risks on a plane from HAL, AMCA, which has been a nightmare for Indian pilots? By now, Indian pilots and ground crew should have been in the United States training on the F-15EXs' flying and maintenance. Time is running out for India to purchase the F-15EXs before war breaks out. The Chinese have been preparing for a quick war with India, with Pakistan, Bangladesh. India should move fast.

What rubbish. The I5EX is a good aircraft but hugely inefficient and only as a backup. Israeli I5EX, F35s have been painted red by S300 radars, but due to agreements between Israel and Russia, no action was taken. Even Iranian ADs spotted F35s 100kms from Iranian airspace in Oct '24, making Israeli pilots drop their loads and hightail it back home!! Su57E with ToT is a great opportunity bec it is battle-proven against the best NATO has to offer - no aircraft is completely "stealth" against today's ADs, and given everything, Russian it is too and suited to Indian conditions just as the Mig29 was a game-changer. The Su57 also comes with full ToT, spring India to leapfrog time lost with AMCA and with a reliable supplier like Russia compared to the hyper-unreliable US; just look at Pak, Turkey, Egyptian air forces.

 

[vikrant rao]

India should take up the Russian offer but ensure it develops AMCA side by side. Everything India knows about supersonic missile tech, rocket engines, sub-surface propulsion, large marine engines, comes from the Soviet Union/Russia and a little from France. The SU57E would give India the oppty to leapfrog time lost with the AMCA program. The US, EU are simply too unreliable and can't be depended on, esp given India is in this position thanks to the combined US/West in the first place! Indian Army is still waiting for its AH64s promised 4 years ago, GE 404/414 is always in the news but never arriving. Western weapons industrial complex is all Hollywood and PR, nothing substantial or realistic. Indian conditions and requirements are best matched with rugged, low-cost, optimum serviceability and high-tech precision systems that Russia has proven adept at in Ukraine. People need to stop drinking the Kool-Aid garbage in the WaPo, NYT, CNN etc. about the performance of Russian weapon systems. As they say- US Military makes movies. Russian military makes history.

 

[P2S2]

Why are Indian politicians messing up the importance of the F-15EX used by the Israelis, which has been proven by Israeli pilots to be a versatile plane? Time and again, Israeli forces have successfully used F-15s to get rid of Middle Eastern terrorists. Why is India taking so many risks on a plane from HAL, AMCA, which has been a nightmare for Indian pilots? By now, Indian pilots and ground crew should have been in the United States training on the F-15EXs' flying and maintenance. Time is running out for India to purchase the F-15EXs before war breaks out. The Chinese have been preparing for a quick war with India, with Pakistan, Bangladesh. India should move fast.

Because they want to project themselves as being able to handle higher levels. It's like forcing the cleaner to be the surgeon. Full transparency produces efficiency trying to place your people in a higher category is criminal behaviour. The excellent cleaner will do his best probably go beyond the ability of the surgeon. It is a crime to denigrate him or her. Inefficiencies in the system need to be thrashed out maybe import a Pakistani or other outsider to look at your deficiencies. If the ability of your personnel is F15s then get them. They will start producing planes that you didn't even imagine. Training, hands on knowledge. Will produce unimaginable surgeons but give them a proper tool that they can COMPREHEND. I bought two rubbish picking tools for Chattissinghpura
Have fun guys.

 

[OpenMindIndian]

Historical blunder, keeping in mind Pak getting J-35 in 2027, and AMCA coming after 2035, minimum 8-10 years gap. The screaming gap can result in our entire nuclear , power and communications installations being wiped out by J-35 strikes in these 8-10 years. Why can't we buy SU-57 off the shelf, say 1-2 squadrons, and continue developing AMCA. 2035 may go beyond 2045, looking at what they did with Tejas Mk1 as air force chief said.

 

[OpenMindIndian]

Historical blunder, keeping in mind Pak getting J-35 in 2027, and AMCA coming after 2035, minimum 8-10 years gap. The screaming gap can result in our entire nuclear , power and communications installations being wiped out by J-35 strikes in these 8-10 years. Why can't we buy SU-57 off the shelf, say 1-2 squadrons, and continue developing AMCA. 2035 may go beyond 2045, looking at what they did with Tejas Mk1 as air force chief said.

If we are looking to buy F35 off the shelf under emergency procurement clause, why not SU-57 under same clause. Unfair to exclude SU-57 in favour of unreliable Americans. Morever Americans have yet to make a formal offer with cost estimates. They just want to hang a bait to move us away from SU-57 and AMCA.
Tell the americans we will think about f35 only after they deliver all the F414s with complete ToT.