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.

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Su-57 stealth fighter jet: Russia has given an important proposal to India in the defense sector. Moscow wants his most advanced SU-57 stealth fighter jet be prepared in India itself. For this, Russia is studying investment possibilities. Russia’s SU-57, America’s F-35 and China’s J-20 are considered competitive.

Fifth generation multi-roll jet

SU-57 is a fifth generation multi-roll fighter jet developed by Sukhoi company of Russia. NATO has named it ‘Felon’. The jet took his first flight in 2010 and joined the Russian Air Force in 2020. This wind, land and sea – can fight on all three fronts. Russia currently has 21 production models and an order of 76 has been ordered. This jet has also been used in Ukraine War.

The specialty and technology of su-57

SU-57 includes stealth technology, whose radar reflective surface is only 0.1 square meters. It has two AL-41F1 engines, which has a maximum speed of 2,450 km/h. This fighter jet can carry up up to 10 tons of weapons, including air-to-air and cruise missiles. Equipped with N036 Byelka AESA radar and AI assisted systems, this jet provides 360 ° coverage. Its price is around $ 50 million per jet, which is quite affordable compared to F-35. The SU-57 is a nuclear capable and can operate into “Loyal Wingman” mode with drones.

New chapter of India-Russia Defense Cooperation

The defense cooperation of India and Russia is decades old. 60% of India’s weapons are associated with Russian technology. SU-30mki is a big example of this, which is made in hal Nashik. In 2007, both countries started the FGFA project, but India did not join it in 2018. Now Russia has again introduced the offer of SU-57e. It was showcased at the Aero India show in February 2025. Russia has indicated that local production of SU-57 can be started by upgrading the HAL Nashik plant, which will also include technology transfer.

India’s strength and challenges

This deal can also help India’s AMCA project, whose first flight is fixed till 2028 and commissioning 2035. If the deal is confirmed, then India can get 20–30 su-57 jets in the next 3-4 years. Local production will increase employment and India will get the ability to make Fifth Generation Jet. However, technology will have to be investigated and the threat of international sessions will have to be taken into account.