India’s pursuit of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft has reached a pivotal point as two global superpowers—the United States and Russia—offer India their cutting-edge stealth fighters, the F-35 Lightning II and the Su-57E, respectively. As India aims to modernize its air combat capabilities, this article compares the two fighter jets to help determine which would better meet the Indian Air Force’s requirements.
Key Highlights:
F-35 Lightning II: A Technological Powerhouse

Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation, single-engine stealth multirole fighter designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. It boasts advanced sensor systems and superior stealth capabilities, making it one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world.
Variants of the F-35:
- F-35A: Conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant for the US Air Force.
- F-35B: Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant for the US Marine Corps.
- F-35C: Carrier-based variant for the US Navy.
Key Specifications:
- Top speed: Mach 1.6 (1,931 km/h)
- Combat range: Approximately 1,500 km
- Advanced avionics and network-centric warfare capabilities.
Advantages of the F-35 for India:
- Stealth and survivability: The F-35’s design significantly reduces radar cross-section, enhancing survivability in hostile environments.
- Global support and interoperability: The F-35 is widely used by NATO allies, ensuring robust maintenance and supply chains.
- Network-centric warfare capabilities provide enhanced situational awareness and real-time data sharing.
However, the F-35 is also one of the most expensive fighter jets, with costs ranging from $80 million to $110 million per unit, depending on the variant. Its lifetime operational cost is projected to exceed $1.5 trillion due to high maintenance and upgrades.
Su-57E: Russia’s Fifth-Generation Powerhouse

The Su-57E, developed by Sukhoi, is a twin-engine multirole fighter designed for air superiority and strike missions. It is known for its maneuverability, speed, and robust air dominance capabilities.
Key Specifications:
- Top speed: Mach 2 (2,136 km/h)
- Combat range: Over 1,900 km
- Internal weapon bays and external hardpoints for a wide range of armaments.
Advantages of the Su-57E for India:
- Affordability: The Su-57E is significantly cheaper, with an estimated unit cost of $35 million to $40 million.
- Geopolitical flexibility: Russia’s defense agreements typically come with fewer restrictions compared to US deals, allowing greater customization and technology transfer.
- Existing infrastructure: The Indian Air Force already operates several Russian-origin aircraft, such as the Su-30MKI, ensuring easier integration and logistics support.
At Aero India 2025, a representative from Rosoboronexport emphasized the Su-57E’s reliability and flexibility while subtly hinting at the risks of sanctions and delays that could accompany American defense deals.
Strategic and Economic Considerations:
India’s decision will hinge on multiple factors beyond the technical comparison of the two aircraft:
- Geopolitical Relations:
- India shares a long history of defense cooperation with Russia. Acquiring the Su-57E could strengthen this relationship.
- On the other hand, buying the F-35 would signify a deepening of US-India defense ties, aligning India more closely with Western defense standards.
- Economic Impact:
- While the Su-57E is more cost-effective initially, the F-35’s long-term advantages in terms of advanced technology and global interoperability may justify the higher price.
- Impact on AMCA:
- India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project is aimed at developing an indigenous fifth-generation fighter. Procuring foreign fighters could impact its funding and timeline. Balancing immediate needs with long-term self-reliance will be crucial.
Which Fighter is Better for India?

India must carefully weigh the technological superiority of the F-35 against the affordability and strategic flexibility of the Su-57E. Both aircraft offer distinct advantages, but the final decision will depend on India’s strategic priorities, economic considerations, and long-term defense objectives.
While the Su-57E aligns well with India’s existing fleet and offers a cost-effective solution, the F-35 brings unparalleled technological advancement and global interoperability. Ultimately, a well-balanced approach may involve a combination of foreign acquisitions and accelerated development of the AMCA project to secure India’s air superiority for decades to come.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald