Comparing F-35 and Sukhoi Su-57: Which Stealth Jet is Right for India?

The ongoing debate between the F-35 and Sukhoi Su-57 stealth jets has intensified due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. With offers from both the US and Russia, this article evaluates the speed, range, cost, and combat experience of each aircraft. Experts suggest that the Sukhoi Su-57 may be the more suitable option for India, considering factors like technology, logistics, and manufacturing capabilities. As India seeks to enhance its defense capabilities, understanding these aircraft's strengths and weaknesses is crucial.
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Comparing F-35 and Sukhoi Su-57: Which Stealth Jet is Right for India?

Introduction to Stealth Jet Options

The debate surrounding the F-35 and Sukhoi Su-57 has gained traction, especially with the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This situation underscores India's urgent need for advanced stealth aircraft. In aerial confrontations, conventional aircraft and drones can easily be detected by enemy radar systems, making them vulnerable to destruction once locked on.


Recent Offers from the US and Russia

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trip to the United States, President Donald Trump extended an offer for the advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets. Meanwhile, Russia has also proposed its premier Sukhoi Su-57 stealth aircraft to India.


Evaluating the Stealth Jets

Speed: The Sukhoi Su-57 boasts a maximum speed of 2,137 km/h, surpassing the F-35's top speed of 1,931 km/h, giving the Russian jet an advantage in this category.


Range: The Sukhoi Su-57 also excels in range, capable of flying up to 1,900 kilometers compared to the F-35's 1,500 kilometers.


Cost: Financially, the F-35 is priced between $80-110 million per unit, while the Sukhoi Su-57 is significantly cheaper, costing between $30 million and $40 million, making it nearly half the price of the F-35.


Combat Experience: The F-35 has seen combat in operations by the US and Israel, successfully completing missions undetected by enemy radar. In contrast, the Sukhoi Su-57 has had limited engagement, with a notable crash in 2019 raising questions about its reliability.


Variants: The F-35 is available in multiple variants, including those for standard take-off and landing, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), and naval operations. The Sukhoi Su-57 does not offer such variants.


Assessing the Best Option for India

Russia is prepared to deliver the Sukhoi Su-57 promptly, while the F-35 may take longer to procure, as suggested by Trump. The lengthy procurement process, especially with substantial financial implications, is a critical factor.


Experts in defense suggest that considering technology, cost, and logistics, the Sukhoi Su-57 appears to be the more suitable choice for India at this time. Even if the F-35 is offered, it would be produced in the US and delivered as a finished product. Should political dynamics shift, the US might restrict access to spare parts or upgrades, leaving India with a costly aircraft that is challenging to maintain.


India is already establishing manufacturing facilities to produce Sukhoi jets, enhancing the cost-effectiveness of the Sukhoi Su-57.


Additionally, the lifetime ownership cost of the F-35 is projected to reach around $1.5 trillion due to maintenance and upgrades, whereas the Sukhoi Su-57 presents a more feasible option both technically and economically, with quicker delivery timelines.


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