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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As Aero India 2025 approaches, a significant spotlight is being cast on the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet, which is slated to make an appearance at the airshow in Bengaluru. This event could mark a pivotal moment for the Indian Air Force (IAF) as Russia intensifies its efforts to market the Su-57E, the export variant of this fifth-generation fighter, to India.

Historically, the IAF has had limited access to the Su-57, with Russia previously citing national laws as the reason for restricted engagement with the aircraft. However, this time around, top IAF officials are expected to get an up-close and personal look at the Su-57 prototype. While the jet might not be available for flight reviews by Indian pilots during the show, it is believed that the aircraft will be presented to senior IAF officers, providing them with an opportunity to inspect its capabilities firsthand.

The Su-57, known by its NATO reporting name “Felon,” is Russia’s answer to the advanced fighters like the American F-22 and F-35. Its features include stealth technology, super-maneuverability, and advanced avionics, making it a formidable platform for air superiority and multi-role missions. The Su-57E, tailored for export markets, promises to bring these capabilities to foreign air forces at a potentially competitive price point.

This display at Aero India 2025 is more than just an exhibition; it’s a strategic move by Russia to rekindle and perhaps deepen defense ties with India, especially at a time when India is actively seeking to modernize its air force with fifth-generation technology. The Su-57 could be seen as a potential interim solution for the IAF, which is looking to bridge the gap until its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project matures.

If the initial inspection by IAF officials proves favorable, there’s a possibility that Russia might offer to bring an actual production variant of the Su-57 to India for in-flight testing. This would be a significant step forward, allowing Indian pilots to assess the jet’s performance under local conditions, something that has not been possible in the past due to restrictions.

This development comes at a juncture where India is evaluating its options for fifth-generation fighters, with regional security dynamics and the need for technological parity with neighbors like China pushing the urgency of such acquisitions. The Su-57’s presence at Aero India could thus serve as a catalyst for renewed negotiations or even a reconsideration of the Su-57 in India’s strategic defense planning.

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