Su-57 Set to Dazzle at India Debut, Aviation Pundit Hails Potential Purchase

The Su-57's arrival in India where it is scheduled to be displayed during the prestigious annual AERO India exhibition in Bengaluru from February 10-14 would allow military planners to evaluate its combat capabilities before moving forward with its eventual acquisition, a retired Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot has said.

The Su-57, the only fifth-generation aircraft to have participated in active combat during Russia's Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine, has attractive characteristics like enhanced stealth, outstanding manoeuvrability, and the latest technology, making it an impressive option for India's defence modernisation, retired Group Captain Dinesh Kumar Pandey, who serves as a Senior Fellow at the aviation think tank Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), told Sputnik India.

Furthermore, India has a long history of working together with Russia on several defence projects, including the operation of more than 250 Su-30MKIs that were constructed under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), he added.

"Flying displays of the Su-57 at Aero India 2025 are a good opportunity to evaluate the aircraft's combat capabilities. This will also enable India, to explore a possible partnership or acquisition," Pandey said.

The Su-57's debut is not only a display of Russian technology but also a symbol of Indian and Russian defence cooperation on the rise, he stressed. Joint production of such aircraft as the Su-30MKI has long been a history of military partnership between the two countries, the pundit stressed.

India is striving to develop a modern stealth fighter jet for a long time and the state Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the project of India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) last year, but the aeroengine is an impediment for the programme, he underlined.

"The Su-57 could be an option for India's urgent defence needs. Because of China consistently building up its arsenal with stealth and sixth generation aircraft as a northern adversary, considering Su-57 may be a much-needed option for India," Pandey opined.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has indicated its interest in selling F-35 fighters to India, but it remains unclear whether this is an attempt to derail the possible Su-57 contract between India and Russia, the military commentator said.

The strengthening of defence relations with India has been a priority for the United States, and providing F-35s could be seen as a strategic move to counterbalance India's potential business with Russia, Pandey explained.

"Nonetheless, it is important to note that India has been negotiating with France to buy Rafale aircraft and developing its own 5.5 generation warplane. Consequently, even though the F-35 offer may be attractive, India's decision is likely to hinge on a number of factors, including cost, strategic considerations and technological compatibility," he concluded.

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