A brief comparison between Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and the Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO name Felon) which are appearing in the air show accompanying Aero India 2023 would reveal role and employment will determine preference with F 35 clearly scoring on stealth while the Su 57 on maneouverability.
For the Indian Air Force much may depend on the availability factor for the IAF needs a fighter to meet the gap in combat fighter squadrons which may lag well into 2035 or beyond when the indigenous AMCA could be fielded. Thus, IAF may be looking for a stop gap for which the Su 57 if it meet all other criteria may be under consideration. Cost and numbers will also be an essential determinant.
Here is a brief overview of comparison of characteristics of the two fighters from very different stables with varying parameters for development and roles.
Stealth (Radar Cross Section - RCS)
F-35 Stealth by design, very low observable (VLO) features, including carefully shaped surfaces, radar-absorbent materials (RAM), edge alignment, and internal weapons carriage. The F-35 is generally considered to have a significantly smaller radar cross-section than the Su-57. Estimates put the F-35's RCS in the range of a metal golf ball or marble.
Su-57 Not Stealth by design with several non stealth features as less precise manufacturing tolerances, rounded engine intakes, exposed engine nozzles and external sensors and rivets.
Sensors and Avionics:
F-35 Features an extremely advanced and integrated sensor suite.
Su-57 Sophisticated sensor suite, but less mature and integrated than the F-35's:
Kinematics (Performance)
F-35: Not designed for extreme maneuverability. Its focus is on stealth and sensors, not dogfighting.
Su-57: Designed for superior kinematic performance. It's highly maneuverable
Weapons Carriage
F-35 Variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions internally
Su-57. Similar profile with Russian made weapons internally
Cost and Production
F-35. High costs, in production but order book is full over the next few years.
Su 57. Could be lower than F 35 however exact cost cannot be determined
Conclusion
Multiple variables will need examination in case the IAF is to consider the two fighters, including geostrategic issues. For now it appears that the aim of fielding these by the US and Russia developers is to demonstrate the potential of a sale whereas sales pitch is some way off.
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