Latest news with #Sukhoi-57
India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Russian Su-57 or US-made F-35: Which 5th-gen fighter jet will India purchase? Good news for India due to...
The Indian Air Force is about to make a landmark decision to acquire fifth-generation fighter jets. As the retirement of the MiG-21 fleet nears completion, India is likely to acquire 40 advanced jets. Some experts suggest that India will diversify its sources and not rely solely upon one supplier, as per media reports. Instead, India may purchase fighter jets from a group of countries and strengthen its defense capacity. Which 5th-gen fighter jet will India purchase? At present, much curiosity exists around what fifth-generation fighter jets will be used in the Indian Air Force. The world possesses just two fifth-generation fighter jets. Russia is the first such country which developed the Sukhoi-57. The second country is the United States, which has the F-35 Lightning, which is already in service in the US and some NATO air forces. Obtaining a deal for these jets should not be very difficult for India. Check their features below. What are the two main contenders from which India can buy 5th-generation fighter jets? The two countries from which India could potentially procure fifth-generation aircraft were the United States and Russia. However, the government has not taken any decision on the issue of fifth-generation fighter jets, but discussions are going on in this regard. According to the news agency ANI report, the US has offered the F-35 fighter jet, while Russia has proposed its Su-57 jets for India's consideration. India had opted out of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGfA) project many years ago, but there is an option to rejoin it. What are the key features of the Russian Su-57 fighter jet? What is the top speed of the Russian Su-57? Russia's newest addition to the fifth-generation fighter jets is the Sukhoi-57. This aircraft is equipped with stealth technology, making it extremely difficult for radar systems to detect. The Sukhoi-57 has a range of approximately 2,000 kilometers, and the ability to manage speeds of Mach 2 – twice the speed of sound. The Sukhoi-57 is also claimed to be able to withstand approximately 9 Gs of force, meaning it can withstand gravitational forces nine times greater than Earth's gravity. What are the main features of the US-made F-35 fighter jet? What is the top speed of the US-made F-35? Several media reports are suggesting India might choose to buy fifth-generation fighters from several countries, with some from Russia and some from the United States. That is also why the American F-35 has been mentioned. When it comes to speed, the F-35 lags slightly behind Russia's Sukhoi-57. The F-35 can reach a speed of Mach 1.6 while the Sukhoi can reach speed of Mach 2. When looking at range, the F-35 can travel 1,092 kilometers. The American fifth-generation jet is stealthy, like its Russian renderings, and difficult to detect on radar. The F-35 has been sold to various countries by the US in Europe and outside. In this possible deal, India is interestingly considered to have the upper hand, mostly due to the favorable deals from both Russia and America offered to India on fifth-generation jets. If media reports are to be believed, Russia has made a lucrative offer to India. If India purchases the Su-57, it will also be given access to the technology and the manufacturing license for the Su-35. The United States, on the other hand, has indicated that purchasing the F-35 would be a lucrative opportunity that they can capitalize on in a wider trade tariff deal. F-35A or Su-57, which 5th-gen fighter will India buy? Both offers are currently under consideration, but India would first, of course, like to choose an option through a calculated decision since there are pros and cons for both the Su-57 and the F-35. The F-35 is already in service with almost 10 air forces worldwide, but there have also been several reports of technical issues and crashes. There have so far been no accusations of technical issues for the Russian Su-57, and they have only been deployed on limited occasions during certain parts of the Ukraine war, which raises concerns about their potential combat tested reliability.
News18
04-06-2025
- Business
- News18
F-21 Takes The Spotlight As India Explores Its Next Big Fighter Jet Buy
Last Updated: Lockheed Martin is ready to produce the F-21 in India, tailored for India's needs, and can be made locally with Tata Group under the Make in India initiative, boosting industries The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring options to enhance its fighter jet fleet, with several global contenders in the fray. India is considering proposals from Russia, France, and the United States. Russia has offered its fifth-generation Sukhoi-57, while the US has pitched the F-35. India has already procured two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets from France and has the option to purchase more. However, no deal has been finalised yet. The Rafale is a 4.5-generation aircraft and comes at a high cost. Additionally, there are limitations on India's control over the aircraft's technology, including potential issues with source codes and future upgrades. While Russia has offered the fifth-generation Sukhoi-57, questions have been raised about its performance. Similarly, the American F-35, while advanced, is extremely expensive, and concerns have also been noted regarding its operational effectiveness. Amid ongoing evaluations of global fighter jet options, American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has proposed the F-21 to India as a potential solution. Known for producing the F-35, Lockheed Martin is one of the world's leading fighter jet manufacturers, with its F-series jets in service across several countries—including the F-16s operated by Pakistan. The F-21 is a specially designed variant based on the F-16 platform. Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet has stated that India can consider purchasing the F-21 instead of the F-35. The F-21 has been specifically designed to meet India's defence requirements. Difference Between F-21 and F-35 According to a report in The Indian Express, it features modern AESA radar, an upgraded cockpit, and an improved mission computer. The aircraft is suitable for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Its price is around $100 million (approximately Rs 850 crore) per jet, though costs may rise with additional customisations based on India's requirements. On the other hand, the F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth jet with radar-evading capability, advanced sensors and cutting-edge data-sharing technology. According to Hindustan Times, its price ranges from $110 to $150 million per jet. Change In US Strategy The US was previously hesitant to offer the F-35 to tier-2 allies like India and Saudi Arabia. According to a report in The Times of India, this reluctance stemmed from concerns that its sensitive technology could potentially fall into the hands of countries like China or Russia. Additionally, there is an agreement with Israel ensuring it receives the most advanced weapons in the Middle East to maintain its military edge. However, America's strategy is now shifting, as stealth jets like Russia's Su-57 and China's J-20 are being offered to other countries. Opportunity For India Lockheed Martin's CEO reportedly said that India is not fully ready for the F-35 yet, so it can opt to buy the F-21. A report in The Hindu stated that Lockheed Martin is ready to produce the F-21 in India, which will benefit Indian industries. The F-21 may be an economical option to replace the Indian Air Force's ageing MiG-21 and MiG-27 jets. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 04, 2025, 13:14 IST
