India Says No, Russia Says 50 Years – Can The Su-57 Still Win Over The IAF? | World News

Moscow: India may not have shown much interest in Russia’s Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jet so far, but Moscow continues to pitch the aircraft as a long-term solution for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The latest offer came from Vadim Badekha, CEO of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), the company behind the Su-57 program.

Badekha said the Su-57 has been designed to remain operational for four to five decades, making it suitable for the IAF’s long-term requirements. In his view, the aircraft’s strength lies in its long service life, adaptable design and ability to absorb future technologies as air combat evolves.

He explained that a 40 to 50-year service life means the jet will remain relevant even as air warfare technologies change over time. He said the Su-57 is a mature fifth-generation platform already equipped with stealth features, advanced electronics, powerful sensors and the ability to take on multiple combat roles.

Russia Renews Su-57 Offer to India

The UAC chief said the Su-57 can simultaneously carry out air-to-air missions, air-to-ground strikes and electronic warfare missions. He stated that this is an aircraft built not only for today’s battlefield, but also with future high-tech air combat in mind.

He said Russia views the Su-57 as an “evolving platform” rather than a fighter jet that will need early retirement. He added that work to further develop the aircraft has not slowed down and engineers continue to upgrade its systems to keep it ahead of emerging threats.

What Can Su-57 Do?

The Su-57 is Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to reduce radar detection. It can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions simultaneously and has supercruise capability, allowing it to fly at supersonic speeds without the use of afterburners.

The aircraft is equipped with an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and multi-spectrum sensors, as well as a powerful electronic warfare system capable of disrupting enemy radar networks. Designed for network-centric warfare, this platform can share data with other platforms in real time.

One of its most important features is its ability to work with unmanned systems. The Su-57 can team up with drones, command them during missions, and coordinate complex operations. Internal weapons bays allow it to carry missiles while maintaining stealth. It can be equipped with long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

Badekha said the jet’s design allows for continuous improvements, extending its service life by decades. Rather than waiting for an entirely new sixth-generation fighter jet, Russia sees the Su-57 as a base platform that can gradually absorb new technologies. These include advanced sensors, more advanced electronic warfare tools, stronger networking capabilities and new propulsion concepts.

He also noted the increasing role of manned-unmanned teaming in future air combat. According to Badekha, the Su-57 is expected to serve as an airborne command center in the coming years. It is capable of controlling and directing multiple drones during combat missions.