SOURCE: AFI
The skies above Bengaluru are set to host an unprecedented display at Aero India 2025, where the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II are both showcasing their capabilities. Amidst this backdrop, Sergey Bogdan, a Hero of Russia and a seasoned test pilot, has stirred the aviation community with his insights into a hypothetical dogfight between these two fifth-generation fighters.
Bogdan emphasized the Su-57’s superior maneuverability, particularly its ability to perform complex aerial maneuvers thanks to its advanced thrust vectoring technology. He noted that in close quarters, the Su-57’s agility could give it an edge over the F-35, which is designed more as a strike fighter with less emphasis on dogfighting.
While acknowledging the F-35’s renowned stealth capabilities, Bogdan argued that the Su-57’s own stealth features, combined with its advanced sensor suite, would ensure it remains competitive. He pointed out that in a real-world scenario, the first to detect and engage would have an advantage, and the Su-57’s radar and electronic warfare systems would play a crucial role.
The Su-57’s internal weapons bay allows for a variety of long-range and close-combat missiles, giving it flexibility in engagement. Bogdan speculated that in a simulated battle, the ability to choose the right weapon at the right time could be decisive.
Bogdan also spoke about the Su-57’s advanced cockpit systems, which provide pilots with enhanced situational awareness, potentially aiding in quick decision-making during combat.
In his vision of the duel, Bogdan described a scenario where both aircraft would initially engage at long range, using their stealth and sensors to locate each other. The F-35’s advanced data fusion capabilities would make it a formidable opponent, but the Su-57’s agility and defensive systems could allow it to evade initial strikes. As the engagement closed into dogfight range, the Su-57’s maneuverability might give it the upper hand in a visual dogfight, where traditional dogfighting skills become more relevant.
With both aircraft present at Aero India 2025, spectators and analysts alike are eager to see how these machines perform in actual demonstrations, even if not in direct combat. Bogdan’s insights add an intriguing layer to the event, where technology, strategy, and pilot skill intersect in one of the most anticipated airshows of the year.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.