At the Aero India 2025 showcase, the Russian Su-57 fighter jet has taken center stage, highlighting the burgeoning defense partnership between India and Russia. The event, hosted at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore from February 6 to 10, 2025, saw significant announcements and high-profile demonstrations promoting the advanced capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter.
Vladimir Badeha, General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), articulated the Russian perspective on the relevance of the Su-57 for India, stating, "For the Indian market, the Su-57 is simply necessary as the next step in the evolution between our countries and industries." This statement underscored Russia's commitment to facilitating defense technology integration within India, proposing the local production of the Su-57E as part of their partnership agenda.
During the showcase, the Su-57 executed thrilling maneuvers, captivating audiences and experts alike. Notably, it was observed favorably against its Western counterparts, including the F-35 and Dassault Rafale. Military expert Viktor Litovkin commented, "What the Su-57 can do, no other plane in the world can do," emphasizing the unique maneuverability and combat capabilities of the Russian aircraft.
The Su-57 has been positioned by developers as not just any fighter jet but as one with decades of potential superiority, with references to its technological advancements allowing it to counter modern aerial threats effectively. Badeha noted, "The technologies, characteristics, and solutions embedded within the Su-57 will secure its advantage for the next 40 to 50 years."
He also mentioned the intent to establish production capabilities for the Su-57E within India, proposing it could proceed similarly to the licensed assembly of the Su-30 MKI jets already operational within the Indian Air Force.
Indian Defense Minister Sanjiv Kumar echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the Su-57's performance during the air show. He stated, "We expect the Su-57 to perform spectacularly at the airshow... The final decision will be made by the Indian armed forces," highlighting the importance of the display as part of India’s assessment for future acquisitions.
Interestingly, the Air Show was marred by the U.S.'s decision to withdraw its F-35A and F-16 from demonstrations, which came on the heels of the Su-57's introduction. Ambassador Denis Alipov remarked on this development, noting, "Healthy competition is inherent to the process of diversifying military-technical cooperation," pointing to the competitive nature of international defense exhibitions and the strategic maneuvers by participating nations.
This development follows historical challenges between India and Russia concerning fifth-generation fighter projects, such as the FGFA, which faced significant hurdles over technology transfers and financial agreements. Despite past friction, interest in the Su-57 remains strong, providing opportunities for renewed collaboration. Both nations see the localization of production as a compromise beneficial to their respective defense industries.
With its first flight taking place back on January 29, 2010, the Su-57 has evolved to become known for its stealth features and advanced avionics, effectively establishing it as Russia’s flagship fifth-generation fighter. Following the commencement of serial production for domestic usage by the end of 2020, its debut at Aero India marks the first appearance of the latest Russian fighter jet on Indian soil in 25 years.
Experts are optimistic about the Su-57's potential to meet the demands of the Indian Air Force. The air show showcased not only aerial demonstrations but presented the Su-57 as central to discussions on collaborative defense strategies moving forward.
Overall, Aero India 2025 has proven to be a pivotal moment not just for the Su-57 and Russia, but for India's defense narrative, potentially reshaping military capability discussions and partnerships for years to come.