Su-57 vs F-35 Lightning II: Will the Russian Sukhoi gain aerial supremacy at Aero India 2025?

Bengaluru is set to witness a high-stakes aerial showdown tomorrow as the highly-anticipated Aero India 2025 takes off. And at the heart of the expo would be a much-anticipated face-off between two of the world's most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighters—Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon" and the US’ Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. With both aircraft vying for India’s attention, the biennial air show becomes a strategic battleground as the country seeks to bridge its fifth-generation fighter gap amid rapid advancements by China and Pakistan.

For the first time, the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35—stealth fighters, developed keeping each other in mind, are sharing the same airspace at Aero India. However, while both were originally slated for aerial demonstrations during the five-day event, only the Su-57 will take to the skies, as the F-35 is now limited to a static display.

As per news report, the U.S. is facing a shortage of stunt pilots, preventing the F-35 from participating in aerial manoeuvres. Meanwhile, the Su-57, which arrived earlier this week, will make its Aero India debut with an aerial demonstration.

Russia has already expressed a keen interest in collaborating with India, offering the Su-57 for co-production and extending assistance in developing India’s own stealth fighter. This comes against the backdrop of a stalled Indo-Russian fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) programme.

India and Russia had signed an agreement in 2007 to jointly develop the FGFA, which was formalised in 2010 as a two-seater aircraft based on Indian Air Force specifications. India had even invested around $300 million in the project. However, disagreements over design, stealth capabilities, engines, work share, and technology transfer led to India pausing its involvement.

In 2018, then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had clarified India’s stance, stating, “It was conveyed to Russia that they can go ahead with the project, and we may join it at a later stage.”

With Russia renewing its pitch for collaboration at Aero India, it remains to be seen whether India will reconsider its participation in the Su-57 programme or chart an independent course in stealth fighter development.

India’s Fifth-Generation Fighter Conundrum

The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently lacks a fifth-generation fighter, with its most advanced aircraft—the Dassault Rafale—classified as a 4.5-generation jet. Although India has ambitious plans for its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), approved last year at a cost of Rs 15,000 crore, its induction is expected only by 2035. This delay leaves India trailing behind China, which has already deployed over 300 Chengdu J-20 fighters and is aggressively working on sixth-generation aircraft.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is exploring the purchase of China’s Shenyang J-35, further complicating India’s strategic calculus.

The Su-57 and F-35 at Aero India 2025

This edition of Aero India marks the debut of Russia’s Su-57 at the show, while the F-35 returns back. Both aircraft offer India distinct advantages and challenges.

Although Russia's offer of joint production is lucrative, concerns persist regarding the Su-57’s limited production—only around 40 have been built so far—and its stealth capabilities. In contrast, the F-35 has seen extensive global adoption, with over 1,000 jets in service worldwide. But US restrictions on technology transfer could pose challenges for India’s ‘Make in India’ drive, potentially limiting domestic manufacturing and operational sovereignty.

The Path Forward

The Global Firepower Index 2025 ranks India as the world’s fourth-most powerful military, with the IAF boasting a fleet of 2,229 aircraft, including around 600 fighter jets. To sustain this strength, the Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated a record Rs 6.81 lakh crore for defence, with a focus on modernisation.

As the Su-57 and F-35 prepare for their aerial showcase at Aero India 2025, their presence underscores the urgency of India’s decision-making. Whether through indigenous efforts or foreign acquisitions, the country must act swiftly to secure its skies and maintain regional air superiority in the face of mounting geopolitical challenges.