A flight demonstrator prototype of Russia’s Su-57E stealth fighter (fifth-generation) landed at Yelahanka Air Base in Bengaluru on February 6 to participate in Aero India 2025.

• India becomes the second country where Russia is showcasing the Su-57E, following its debut at China’s Zhuhai Airshow in 2024.
• The 15th edition of Asia’s largest aerospace exhibition, Aero India 2025, is set to take place from 10 to 14 February.

Russia’s Pitch to India

• Russia is actively reviving India’s interest in the Su-57E stealth fighter.
• Russia’s (Rosoboronexport’s) proposals:
• • Direct purchase of Su-57E aircraft.
  • Joint production in India.
  • Assistance in developing India’s own 5th-gen fighter.

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Background: India’s Suspended FGFA Project

• 2007: India and Russia signed an agreement to co-develop a Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) based on the Su-57.
• 2010: FGFA was planned as a twin-seat Su-57 variant with IAF-specific customizations.
• 2018 Suspension: India halted participation due to:
  • Cost disagreements.
  • Technology transfer concerns.
  • IAF’s concerns over stealth & supercruise capability.

Upgrades & Performance Enhancements

• Russia has addressed many of the IAF’s concerns, particularly in engine performance and stealth capabilities.
• New AL-51 Stage-2 engines enable supercruise at Mach 1.6 (potentially Mach 2).
• Twin-seat variant in development—which India could adopt without additional investment.
• Su-57 has seen combat tests in Syria and Ukraine.

India’s Renewed Interest

• India’s adversaries (China & Pakistan) are rapidly acquiring stealth aircraft, creating a potential air superiority gap for the IAF.
  • China is rapidly expanding its J-20 fleet (~300 by 2030).
  • Pakistan acquiring J-31 stealth fighters and collaborating with Turkey on the KAAN fighter.
• A widening stealth gap in the IAF’s fleet could compromise India’s air defense capability in the 2030s.
• Without a 5th-gen fighter, India risks being outmatched by stealth technology in future conflicts

About Sukhoi Su-57E

• The Sukhoi Su-57E is a fifth-generation fighter jet that Russia has offered to India for joint production. 
  • The Sukhoi Su-57 is a twin-engine stealth multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi.

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Features

• Stealth: The Su-57E has a serrated exhaust nozzle that reduces its radar and infrared signature. 
• Weapon payload: The Su-57E can carry up to 7.4 tons of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. 
• Maximum speed: The Su-57E has a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8. 
• Maximum operating altitude: The Su-57E has a maximum operating altitude of 54,100 feet. 
• Combat range: The Su-57E has a combat range of 1,864 miles. 

Different Generations of Jet Fighters

India’s Fifth-Generation Multirole Fighter Jet

The AMCA is India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter.

• It is being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

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Key Features

• Stealth Technology
  • Designed for low radar cross-section (RCS) to evade enemy radars.
  • Use of radar-absorbent materials (RAM) and a low-observable shape.
• Fuel & Weapons Capability
  • Large internal fuel tank (6.5 tonnes) for extended range.
  • Internal weapons bay to maintain stealth and accommodate a variety of indigenous and foreign weapons.
• Engine Variants
  • AMCA Mk1: Will use U.S.-made GE414 engine (90 kN thrust).
  • AMCA Mk2: Will feature a more powerful 110 kN engine, developed by DRDO’s GTRE in collaboration with a foreign defense partner (potentially Safran (France) or Rolls-Royce (UK)).
• Cutting-Edge Aerodynamics & Design
  • Serpentine air intake duct to reduce engine radar signature.
  • Diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI) for enhanced performance and stealth.

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