Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine-and the rapidly reshaping nature of global geopolitics-US President Donald Trump has made a clear stand in favor of Kyiv.
This pivotal move has exacerbated his already-existing rift with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Analysts state that Trump’s warming towards Ukraine has sparked a Cold War-like tension between him and Putin, exemplifying how the war is not only deteriorating US-Russia relations but also redefining personal political rivalries on the international stage.
What makes this weapon deadlier than the US’s F-35? Who is building this game-changing weapon?
While the United States boasts its F-35 fighter jet as the best in the world in terms of fifth-generation technology, the Su-57M1E fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, welcomed by the Russians, has shaken the international market. Media reports suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to India later this year, where he is likely to present Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Su-57E fighter jet with full technology transfer. The cost-effective Russian Su-57M1E comes at a better price point when compared to the F-35 fighter jet.
Which features set it apart from existing fifth-generation jets?
The Su-57M1E is a stealth multirole fighter capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, that can fly at up to Mach 2 (around 2,450 km/h) and has a range of 3,500 km without refueling. One of the biggest advantages the Su-57M1E holds is the super-cruise function, to fly at supersonic speeds without using an afterburner.
What stealth technology makes it almost invisible to radar?
According to the News18 Hindi report, the aircraft employs the N036 Byelka AESA radar, thrust-vectoring engines, and L-band radars for stealth in the skies and lethality. The Russian Su-57M1E possesses impressive weapons capabilities with a total of 12 hardpoints, including 6 internal bays, allowing it to carry missiles and bombs concealed within its body, striking enemies while maintaining its stealth profile.
How much does it cost, and is it cheaper than the F-35?
Media reports estimate the Su-57M1E will reportedly cost $35-40 million per unit. In Indian currency, this is over Rs 352 crore, which is almost half of the American F-35. The costs of an F-35 aircraft are estimated to be roughly Rs 700 crore. In addition, Russia reportedly offered not just the aircraft, but also its source code and full technology transfer, which would allow India to modify the aircraft however it chooses.
Can India benefit from this weapon?
At present, India does not have any operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The Indian Air Force currently operates the Su-30MKI and Rafale, while its indigenous Tejas Mk-II (which can be considered a 4.5-generation fighter) is still in development. For the future, India’s greatest hope is the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) fighter, which will be the first indigenous fifth-generation fighter for India. However, the AMCA prototype is expected to take to the skies only around 2035. Faced with this scenario, the Su-57M1E could provide a stopgap solution for India. The question, however, is whether India will depend on Russia to bridge the gap or if India will consider a strategic long-term leap towards its own indigenous future with the AMCA.
According to a News18 Hindi report, the Su-57M1E (Russia) can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (~2,450 km/h), while the F-35 Lightning II (USA) has a maximum speed of around Mach 1.6 (~1,975 km/h).
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Su-57M1E (Russia) can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (~2,450 km/h).
- The aircraft employs the N036 Byelka AESA radar, thrust-vectoring engines, and L-band radars.
- Media reports estimate the Su-57M1E will reportedly cost $35-40 million per unit.
- It will give tough competition to US’s F-35 Lightning II (USA)/
The report further mentions that the Su-57M1E boasts a total of 12 hardpoints, including 6 internal bays, allowing it to carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs, while maintaining its stealth profile. In comparison, the F-35 Lightning II has a weapons load capacity of approximately 8.1 tons (~18,000 lb), supporting a variety of munitions such as AIM-120 and AIM-9X missiles, JDAMs, SDBs, and JASSMs, optimized for both strike and air superiority missions.