By Admin 
The US describes its F-35 Lightning-II as the world’s most advanced fighter jet, but its price and limited export policies make it challenging for many countries. On the other hand, Russia’s SU-57M1E, which is the version of SU-57. The global defense has started making a splash in the market. It is reported that President Vladimir Putin can offer this jet technology to PM Modi during his visit to India.
If this happens, it can become an affordable option of F-35 for the Air Force of India. At the same time, the SU-57M1E of Russia is not just a fighter jet but the Multirol is a stealth jet. Its features make it stand equal to F-35. Its speed is Mach 2 (2,450 km/h) and can fly up to 3,500 km without refueling. It is equipped with super-cruise capacity. Without afterburner supersonic flight, the stealth remains intact.
SU-57 has N036 Bilaca AESA radar and L-band radar, which can also catch enemy’s stealth aircraft. The thrust vectoring engine gives it more accuracy, which leads to an edge in aerial battle. It has 12 hardpoint 6 internal, so that it can take different missiles and bombs hiding and maintains stealth. Due to these features, SU-57M1E is not just a cheaper alternative to F-35 but a premium combat package.
SU-57M1E price and compared to F-35
Su-57m1e price: 35–40 million dollars per unit (about ₹ 352 crore).
F-35 price: About 70 million dollars (₹ 700 crore).
That is, the price of SU-57M1E is half of F-35. Most importantly – Russia is ready to give its source code and technology transfer to India. This means India will be able to customize it according to its needs, which America does not usually do with its jets.
What options do India have?
Currently SU-30MKI is the backbone of the Indian Air Force. India has a modern jet purchased from Rafael, which bought from France, but in a limited number. Tejas is MK-II indigenous, but is currently in the development stage. AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) India has its own fifth generation stealth jet, but the challenge is that its prototype will be able to fly only by 2035. Exactly it comes as SU-57M1E an option. India has this opportunity to equip its Air Force with 5th generation capacity through SU-57M1E before AMCA is ready by 2035.
India’s dilemma
If India takes SU-57M1E, then it will get a 5th generation jet immediately, but there are risks with it, such as excessive dependence on Russia will have to be more dependent. Impact on strategic relations with Western countries (including America). The priority and funding of India’s AMCA project may be affected. On the other hand, waiting for AmCA will give India completely indigenous and political freedom, but it will get time and heavy investment.
Also read: Target will make the enemy from air to space … How dangerous is China’s air defense system HQ-29 ‘Satellite Killer’?