Russia's Su-57 "Felon" Confirmed to Perform at Aero India 2025 in Bid for India's Potential 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Procurement

Aviation enthusiasts and defence analysts have reason to be excited as the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has announced that the Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon," Russia's advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter, will perform a full-fledged flying display at Aero India 2025.

This event, scheduled for February 10th to 14th at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, is set to be a showcase of cutting-edge aerial technology.

UAC's decision to bring the Su-57 to Aero India is widely seen as a strategic move to bolster its relationship with India, a long-standing defence partner. This comes at a crucial time when India is actively seeking to modernize its air force with advanced fighter jets, against a backdrop of growing regional security concerns.

The Su-57 "Felon" represents the pinnacle of Russian fighter jet technology. With its stealth capabilities, supercruise functionality, and advanced avionics, the Su-57 is designed to compete with the world's best in air superiority, strike, and reconnaissance missions.

Its presence at Aero India 2025 will not only be a demonstration of these capabilities but also an opportunity for potential buyers and partners to witness the aircraft's performance firsthand.

The flying display will allow the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other interested parties to assess the Su-57's maneuverability, stealth features, and weapon integration in a real-world setting.

This could potentially lead to discussions on technology transfer, co-production, or even direct procurement, especially as India explores options for its fifth-generation fighter aircraft program.

For Russia, showcasing the Su-57 in India could open doors to other Asian and global markets, aiming to position the "Felon" as a viable alternative to Western offerings like the F-35.

Aero India has long been a prominent platform for global defence manufacturers to showcase their latest innovations. This year's event promises to be particularly exciting with the inclusion of the Su-57, alongside other international and indigenous aircraft.

The Su-57's flying display is sure to be a major highlight, attracting significant attention from defence experts, industry leaders, and aviation enthusiasts alike.

 

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[sanket]

That's what I was saying. By Aero-India, the Su-57 will be displayed and would be offered to Bharat under Make in India.

 

[PKPRS]

F35 will definitely be participating, it will be fun to watch both..

 

[Harsh]

Russians should bring not just one but boat-load of Felons. India needs them all, besides it will save Russians some fuel from having to fly them back.

 

[Kira]

That's what I was saying. By Aero-India, the Su-57 will be displayed and would be offered to Bharat under Make in India.

Su-57 is a dead arrival prospect for India, as even if it's technologically mature which it is not, then again it's tech will be offered to the PRC in near future which will affect India's own fleet just like it affected it's own MKI fleet when PRC bought the Su-35. The same issue is with the S-400 usually it's not advisable to buy the same exact product your primary adversary is buying too.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Su-57 is a dead arrival prospect for India, as even if it's technologically mature which it is not, then again it's tech will be offered to the PRC in near future which will affect India's own fleet just like it affected it's own MKI fleet when PRC bought the Su-35. The same issue is with the S-400 usually it's not advisable to buy the same exact product your primary adversary is buying too.

The Chinese have better stealth technology.

 

[S. Gupta]

An able 5th Generation fighter suitable for India. It will also supercruise at high speed. A very good platform for India to purchase.

 

[Kira]

The Chinese have better stealth technology.

It could have other aspects too that the Chinese may want to learn and perfect, where advanced Russian platforms may be a good choice. Plus, the fact that both Russia and PRC today have a strong political alliance against the US will mean that Russia may look beyond the commercial aspect itself and offer PRC other valuable military technologies in the future, which won't bode well for India.

I support the Indo-Russian partnership, but I believe that the arms relationship is not the best avenue for that in the future, given other aspects such as oil/raw materials trade can be enhanced.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

It could have other aspects too that the Chinese may want to learn and perfect, where advanced Russian platforms may be a good choice. Plus, the fact that both Russia and PRC today have a strong political alliance against the US will mean that Russia may look beyond the commercial aspect itself and offer PRC other valuable military technologies in the future, which won't bode well for India.

I support the Indo-Russian partnership, but I believe that the arms relationship is not the best avenue for that in the future, given other aspects such as oil/raw materials trade can be enhanced.

China is also heavily invested in the Su 30 and S 400. And what is preventing the Russians from sharing details of Brahmos, T 90's, multiple classes of Russian origin ships and what not?

 

[sanjiv]

Su-57 is a dead arrival prospect for India, as even if it's technologically mature which it is not, then again it's tech will be offered to the PRC in near future which will affect India's own fleet just like it affected it's own MKI fleet when PRC bought the Su-35. The same issue is with the S-400 usually it's not advisable to buy the same exact product your primary adversary is buying too.

Earlier the case was different. Now China is on par with Russia, and Russia will not share, and China will not approach.

 

[sanjiv]

An able 5th Generation fighter suitable for India. It will also supercruise at high speed. A very good platform for India to purchase.

Yes given that only three countries have developed their 5g fighter aircraft, India should buy, learn and develope it's own

 

[Gajanan Rao]

Don't hope any help from USA for engines. The supply has been delayed intentionally. Shut the doors for USA engine. Go for Russian aircrafts or engines. USA wants to stalk on our devolpment

 

[Rinku Pandey]

An able 5th Generation fighter suitable for India. It will also supercruise at high speed. A very good platform for India to purchase.

It is not a 5th generation fighter and doubts about super cruise too.

 

[Kira]

China is also heavily invested in the Su 30 and S 400. And what is preventing the Russians from sharing details of Brahmos, T 90's, multiple classes of Russian origin ships and what not?

True, but in that case, India did not have capable alternatives or the budget at that time. Say, for instance, the T-90 was just a further development of the T-72, a tank the IA has already operated for two decades, and it was also cheaper to produce in larger numbers, unlike Western designs, including Arjun.

For the Brahmos, there was literally no other option at the time, so no choice but to import and build it here. As for Russian ships, it was a matter of convenience, with a base Russian design having Ukrainian engines plus Indian and Western systems.

 

[Kira]

Earlier the case was different. Now China is on par with Russia, and Russia will not share, and China will not approach.

Not for all things, such as submarine tech or SAM systems, and even coming to combat jets, there will be certain subsystems that PRC will eventually need.

 

[S. Gupta]

Su 57 with AL51FP Engines is a Mach 2 Speed 5th gen fighter as can supercruise at Mach 1.2 but India can buy this plane and with my technologies can make it 10th generation fighter. Classified technologies can not be leaked. References Say Mach 5 Super Cruise speed plane, Lasers, Astra Mk 3, anti dazzling laser technology, Oxygen generator, Lithium ion battery, RF Dispenser, advance radar, advance cool tech., stealth paints.

 

[Sandeep]

India should definitely fly the jet to check out its capabilities and technology. If the technology checks out then we could try and lease up to a squadron for about 5 years as this will give us enough time to manufacture our Tejas and AMCA jets.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

True, but in that case, India did not have capable alternatives or the budget at that time. Say, for instance, the T-90 was just a further development of the T-72, a tank the IA has already operated for two decades, and it was also cheaper to produce in larger numbers, unlike Western designs, including Arjun.

For the Brahmos, there was literally no other option at the time, so no choice but to import and build it here. As for Russian ships, it was a matter of convenience, with a base Russian design having Ukrainian engines plus Indian and Western systems.

Look at it however you will, both India and China are still using many common Soviet-era weapon systems. If it didn't matter in the past 40-50 years, why does it matter now? Got to play the cards you are dealt.