During the Aero India 2025 international airshow held in Bangalore, the Sukhoi Su-57 multirole, fifth-generation fighter garnered significant interest from specialists and prospective customers alike. Mikhail Babich, Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) of the Russian Federation, provided a detailed assessment of the Su-57’s capabilities in an interview with TASS news agency, outlining prospects for collaboration with India, and expressing confidence in the Russian fighter’s superiority over American and Chinese designs. The emphasis was placed on the combination of flight performance, weaponry, and cost-effectiveness, positioning the Su-57 as the most competitive offering in the global market.
“Here at Aero India, we have our pilot team and the aircraft, which will be participating in all the display flights. Naturally, discussions will take place. It’s clear to everyone that the Su-57 is currently the only fifth-generation aircraft of its type which has been proven, not only in demonstration flights, but also has practical, day-to-day operational experience. And professionals who are closely monitoring the effectiveness of this deployment, the achievement of the technical specifications for which the fighter was designed, rate it extremely highly. There is no other machine like it in the world today,” stated Mikhail Babich.
The main objective of showcasing the Su-57 at Aero India 2025 is the possible resumption of collaboration with India on the production and development of the Su-57. In addition, a series of talks are planned with Indian representatives to discuss the supply of completed aircraft, joint production, and further modernisation of the fighter to meet Indian requirements. This collaboration would enable the creation of a version of the Su-57 fully tailored to the needs of the Indian Armed Forces. Russia’s willingness to adapt technologies and work jointly on projects demonstrates a commitment to a long-term partnership.
According to Mikhail Babich, operational experience in real-world combat sets the Su-57 apart from its rivals. Key advantages of the fighter cited were low radar cross-section (RCS), situational awareness parameters, target tracking capabilities, and the effectiveness of its standard armament fit.
The Russian side expressed its readiness to consider the resumption of the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) project and its co-production in India with the involvement of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This approach aligns with the Indian objective of localising production and developing its own aerospace capabilities. Mikhail Babich noted that Russia is prepared to contribute to Indian projects for the development of new aircraft, using its experience and technologies.
The presentation of the Su-57 places emphasis on the “value for money” proposition, which, according to the Russian side, is one of its competitive advantages. Mikhail Babich believes that Indian partners will appreciate this balance when deciding on further collaboration. Such an approach could be a decisive factor when choosing equipment suppliers, given the fierce competition in the arms market.
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