Russian Media Claims Su-57 Superior to "Crash-Prone" F-35 for India

A Closer LookIn a fresh round of rhetoric aimed at global fighter jet markets, Russian media has asserted that the Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, is a far superior choice for India compared to the American F-35, branding the latter as "crash-prone" and unreliable. These claims come amid India's ongoing deliberations on acquiring next-generation combat aircraft to modernize its air force. But how much of this assertion is grounded in reality, and what factors truly separate the two aircraft?

The Russian Argument: Why Su-57 Over F-35?

According to reports in Russian defense publications, the Su-57 offers India a more cost-effective and strategically beneficial alternative to the Lockheed Martin F-35. The argument is built on several key points:

1. The "Crash-Prone" Reputation of the F-35

The F-35 has suffered multiple accidents over the years, some due to software malfunctions and others linked to mechanical failures. Just in 2024, an F-35B crashed in South Carolina, adding to a series of mishaps that have plagued the program. Russian media highlights this as a sign of the aircraft’s questionable reliability, portraying it as an overpriced, high-maintenance platform that could pose logistical challenges for India.

2. The Su-57’s Alleged Air Superiority

Moscow claims that the Su-57, equipped with advanced avionics, stealth technology, and supermaneuverability, is a more potent platform for air dominance. The fighter’s Izdeliye 30 engines, once fully integrated, are expected to provide superior thrust-to-weight ratios and sustained supersonic speeds without afterburners.

Unlike the F-35, which relies more on Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat, the Su-57 is designed to excel in both long-range and close-quarters dogfights. Russian sources argue that in an actual confrontation, the Su-57’s agility would outclass the F-35’s reliance on stealth alone.

3. No Strings Attached: Export Flexibility

The United States imposes strict restrictions on how its defense customers can use and modify American-made equipment. Russian media points out that the F-35 comes with limitations on software access, maintenance protocols, and operational sovereignty. India, which values strategic autonomy, might find these restrictions problematic.

On the other hand, Russia promises full technology transfer and local production options for the Su-57, allowing India’s defense industry to participate in upgrades and modifications. This aligns with India’s "Make in India" defense push.

4. Cost Factor: A More Affordable 5th-Gen Jet?

The F-35, depending on the variant, costs between $80 million and $135 million per unit, with extremely high operational expenses exceeding $40,000 per flight hour. In contrast, the Su-57 is estimated to cost around $35-45 million per unit, with lower maintenance costs.

Russian reports argue that India could acquire a larger fleet of Su-57s for the same budget, strengthening its air force’s numerical advantage.

India's Perspective: Weighing the Claims

While Russian media makes strong arguments in favor of the Su-57, India’s actual decision will depend on multiple practical factors:

• Operational Readiness: The Su-57, despite its claimed capabilities, is still in the early stages of full-scale production, with fewer than 30 units in service. The F-35, despite its flaws, is already combat-proven and widely deployed by NATO allies.
• Stealth and Sensor Fusion: The F-35 excels in networked warfare, providing unmatched situational awareness via its Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and sensor fusion technology. The Su-57, though stealthy, has yet to demonstrate similar integration capabilities.
• Geopolitical Ties: India is strengthening defense ties with both the U.S. and Russia. Buying the F-35 could deepen its relationship with Washington, while purchasing the Su-57 would align more with Moscow’s defense ecosystem.

At the moment, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has not publicly expressed serious interest in acquiring the F-35 or the Su-57, instead focusing on the indigenous AMCA program and potential Rafale follow-on orders.

Conclusion: A Tactical Sales Pitch or a Real Advantage?

Russia’s claim of Su-57 superiority over the "crash-prone" F-35 is clearly part of an effort to market its fighter to India, but the reality is more complex. While the Su-57 does have promising capabilities, its limited production and combat experience remain key concerns. The F-35, despite its mechanical issues, is a tested and battle-ready aircraft that has proven its capabilities in NATO operations.

For India, the decision will ultimately rest on a balance of cost, technology transfer, and long-term strategic benefits. Whether New Delhi will seriously consider the Su-57 or F-35 remains to be seen, but for now, Russia's media campaign is certainly making its case loudly.