Latest news with #Su-57


India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
These are world's top 10 best fighter planes, on top is..., where do F-35 and Rafale rank?
New Delhi: It is not easy to determine which are the best fighter planes in the world. Every plane is designed for specific roles and missions. In such a situation, we will tell you which are the top 10 best fighter planes in the world. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon: Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 Felon is the best fighter plane in the world as it is better than all its competitors in terms of stealth technology and manoeuvrability. At the same time, its cost is also only $ 50 million per unit, which makes it one of the least expensive fighter planes. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II: The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is the second best fighter aircraft in the world. It is considered the backbone of the US Air Force. It is stealthier than the Su-57 and is more difficult to detect from every angle. Its radar cross section (RCS) is equal to that of a golf ball. However, it does not fly as fast as the Su-57 and is not capable of true supercruise (supersonic speed without afterburner). Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon: China's Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon is the third best fighter aircraft in the world. It is China's first 5th generation stealth fighter and one of the four stealth fighter jets in active duty in the world today. The J-20 was designed with long-range operations in mind. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor: F-22 is an incredible feat of engineering, making it the world's most agile and stealthiest fighter. The F-22 is able to virtually disappear from enemy radars. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II: The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II is known for its weapons payloads. The fighter can fly with a weapons load of nearly 30,000 pounds, making it the most heavily armed fighter in the world. It can carry 20+ air-to-air missiles at once using the Advanced Missile and Bomb Ejector Rack (AMBER) system. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon: The F-16 Fighting Falcon is the most widely used fighter jet in the world today. According to the 2025 World Air Force Directory, there are currently 2,084 units in operation, with more than 700 of them in the US and the air fleets of Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Turkey. It is a true multirole aircraft, as comfortable in air-to-air combat as it is in reconnaissance. Sukhoi Su-35: Russia's Sukhoi Su-35 may not be equipped with stealth capability, but it is one of the most formidable 4th-generation fighters in the world. It can dominate the opponent during a dogfight in the sky through its powerful engines and two plane thrust vectoring. Sukhoi Su-35 is the only production aircraft to use this technology. In close air combat, the Su-35 is a dangerous opponent, capable of outmanoeuvring most Western jets. It is built for both air superiority and extended patrolling. Eurofighter Typhoon: The Eurofighter Typhoon is considered the backbone of European air power. It was originally designed for air superiority but has since evolved into a true multirole fighter. Designed and manufactured in the late 20th century, the Typhoon has been systematically upgraded over the years. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: The US Navy's Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's latest version is the most powerful, equipped with features like greater range, the ability to carry more payload and lower maintenance than the original Hornet. The fighter can fly with a payload of 17,750 pounds. Dassault Rafale: The French Dassault Rafale is the primary fighter aircraft of the French Air Force and Navy. The Rafale is designed for 'omnirole', a step beyond multirole, meaning the jet can carry out all mission types simultaneously. It has advanced avionics and sensor fusion, as well as one of the world's best electronic warfare suites (Spectra). (Ranking – Aero Time)

Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Russia's fighter jet maker wants to crank out 30% more warplanes while laying off 1,500 managers
Managers are getting the chop in Russia's war economy, too. The country's largest military aviation contractor has plans to boost fighter jet production by 30% in five years, as its CEO said in the same month that he wants to lay off 1,500 management staff. "We plan to raise production effectiveness 30% by 2030," Vadim Badekha, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation, told state media in a Wednesday report. "It will help produce major volumes under the arms procurement order that will exceed the high figures of last year." The United Aircraft Corporation, which has no relation to United Airlines, is the Russian defense prime that oversees Sukhoi and Mikoyan — the producers of warplanes such as the MiG-35 and the fifth-generation Su-57 multirole fighter. Badekha, who took over UAC in November, made his remarks a week after telling Russian media outlet RBC in an interview that his company was looking to "optimize the number of managerial personnel" in its ranks. "1,500 people, or more than a quarter of the managerial staff," Badekha said, adding that the layoffs were targeted at its Moscow office. It's almost reminiscent of the "Great Flattening" unfolding in the US labor market now, where Big Tech and some of America's largest firms have been ripping out chunks of middle management to go lighter on salaries and efficiency. But UAC's financial condition is far more dire. Badekha said the cuts were part of a push to bring UAC out of the red, after a decade of the firm posting consecutive annual losses of billions of rubles. The company's net loss was 34.8 billion rubles in 2023, which shrank to 14.2 billion rubles in 2024. Meanwhile, the firm is trying to accelerate deliveries. Badekha has been touting his goal of 30% increased productivity since at least March, when he met publicly with Russia's prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin. Still, that was a meeting about civil aviation; UAC builds civilian airliners like the Yakovlev Superjet 100 and Irkut MC-21. The Wednesday state media report, citing Badekha, on the other hand, was about a delivery of upgraded fourth-generation Su-34S fighters, indicating that the group hopes its production boost will extend to its arms business too. UAC's attempt at profitability comes as the Russian government has surged defense spending for the last three years to maintain its offensive pace in Ukraine. But Russian contractors such as UAC have also been contending with sanctions choking out their supply chains, skyrocketing interest rates meant to keep inflation in check, and an ailing labor market that's seen workers leave the country or sign up to fight Ukraine.


India.com
21-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Russian Su-57 or US-made F-35? BIG update on which 5th-gen fighter jet India will purchase; Report says talks underway between...
Sukhoi Su-57E or F-35A, which 5th-gen stealth fighter jet will India purchase? India is rapidly seeking to acquire a 5th-generation stealth fighter jet, especially since Pakistan has already announced that it's air force will receive a fleet of 5th-gen J-35 fighters from China. While Pakistan is restricted to most of its arms imports from China, India has two options with regards to purchasing a next-gen fighter aircraft– the Sukhoi Su-57E from Russia, or the US-made F-35A. India, Russia talks underway on possible Su-57E deal? Though no official announcement has been made, a report has claimed that talks are underway between India and Russia regarding the purchase of Su-57E stealth fighter jet. The report by the Defense Security Asia website, which has created a stir among defense analysts and strategic circles, stated that India wants indigenous integration and technology as part of the Su-57 deal with Russia, which will enable the country to indigenously manufacture 5th-gen fighters in the coming future. India wants indigenous radar in Su-57E As per the report, India wants Russia to replace several main systems, especially the radar, of the Su-57E with Indian-made parts. But India's demand has created concern and dissatisfaction in Russian defense department. India claims that the Russian N036 'Byelka' AESA radar used in the Su-57E, does not meet the requirements of a 5th-generation stealth aircraft, as its not jamming-proofs, and faces issues in areas like long-range detection and energy saving. India wants Byelka AESA radar on the Su-57E to be replaced with its indigenously-developed Uttam and Virupaksha AESA radars, which are Gallium Nitride (GaN) based, while their Russian counterpart used the older gallium arsenide (GaAs) technology. According to Indian experts, Indian-made radars provide better heat control, accurate signal capture capability and high jamming resistance, which is extremely important in modern warfare. F-35A or Su-57, which 5th-gen fighter will India buy? Earlier this year, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, US President Donald Trump had offered to sell the 5th-generation F-35 stealth fighter jet to India. Shortly after the announcement, news broke that Russia, New Delhi's trusted defence partner and top weapons supplier, has offered an even more enticing deal on the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet, offering to sell the 5th-gen fighter to India as well as an assured transfer of technology, something which the US is unwilling to do.


Hans India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Pakistan To Receive 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters While India's Indigenous Program Faces Decade-Long Wait
China is set to deliver 40 Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft to Pakistan, marking a significant shift in South Asian air power dynamics. This development places Pakistan among the select nations operating advanced stealth technology, while India's Air Force continues to operate without any stealth fighters in its current inventory. The delivery timeline suggests Pakistan could have these advanced aircraft operational by December 2025, according to defense analysts. Meanwhile, India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program remains at least a decade away from fielding operational units, with official projections indicating full induction around 2035. According to sources, senior Indian Air Force veterans have confirmed that Pakistani pilots have already been training in China for over six months on these aircraft systems. Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat, a retired IAF fighter pilot and defense analyst, noted that the pilot training program had been ongoing well before the official delivery announcement, indicating China's methodical approach to this technology transfer. The aircraft Pakistan will receive is reportedly the FC-31, an export variant of China's J-35 with reduced capabilities compared to the full-specification version used by the People's Liberation Army Navy Air Force. This practice aligns with standard international arms export protocols where nations typically provide downgraded versions of their most advanced military equipment to foreign buyers. The development has raised significant concerns within India's defense establishment. The Indian Air Force has historically maintained air superiority over Pakistan through superior pilot training, advanced tactics, and a more diverse aircraft inventory. However, the introduction of stealth technology into Pakistani service threatens to narrow this advantage considerably. Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, who previously served in key planning positions within the IAF, has suggested pursuing an interim solution to address this capability gap. He advocates for acquiring Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighters through a government-to-government arrangement, similar to India's previous Rafale acquisition deal. His proposal includes securing technology transfer agreements and coding access to integrate India's domestically developed weapon systems. The Su-57 option presents both advantages and challenges. Proponents argue that Russian systems would offer better compatibility with existing Indian equipment, weapons, and radar systems. Additionally, operating fifth-generation fighters would provide valuable experience for Indian aircrew and ground personnel while the AMCA program continues development. However, not all defense experts support this approach. Critics point to India's previous involvement in the abandoned Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft program with Russia, from which India withdrew after investing approximately $350 million. Concerns about the Su-57's performance capabilities and Russia's limited production capacity for its own air force have influenced this skepticism. Alternative suggestions include considering the American F-35 Lightning II, despite its higher cost and potential technology transfer restrictions. Some analysts view it as a more proven platform with established operational history across multiple air forces worldwide. The AMCA program represents India's long-term solution to achieving fifth-generation fighter capability. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with the Air Force and Navy, this twin-engine stealth fighter aims to provide India with an indigenous alternative to foreign systems. The program targets prototype rollout by 2028-29, with full operational capability expected in the mid-2030s. The timing disparity between Pakistan's near-term acquisition and India's long-term development timeline has intensified debates about interim procurement options. Defense analysts emphasize that waiting another decade while regional adversaries enhance their capabilities could compromise India's strategic position. This development occurs within the broader context of evolving regional security dynamics, where both China and Pakistan continue modernizing their military capabilities. The stealth fighter acquisition represents Pakistan's most significant air power enhancement in recent years and could influence tactical considerations across the subcontinent. The situation underscores the challenges facing India's defense procurement and indigenous development strategies. While self-reliance in defense manufacturing remains a national priority, the immediate operational requirements may necessitate difficult decisions about bridging capability gaps through foreign acquisitions. As this technological shift unfolds, it will likely influence regional military planning, defense spending priorities, and strategic partnerships. The introduction of fifth-generation fighter technology into the South Asian theater marks a new chapter in the ongoing regional military competition.


News18
14-06-2025
- Business
- News18
India Eyes Russian Su-57 Over American F-35: Final Choice Will Be Strategic, Not Just Tactical
Last Updated: If India does go for a stop-gap foreign fighter, it must not forget the ultimate priority – AMCA. The skies may be contested, but sovereignty cannot be India stands at a historic crossroads. Should it embrace the American F-35 jet, or should it buy the Russian Su-57? Earlier this year, Us President Donald Trump offered India the fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter, a move hailed as game-changing. But just as that offer began gaining traction, another twist emerged—this time from Russia. In a bold and unprecedented play, Moscow sweetened its Su-57 proposal by offering India access to the aircraft's source code. This surprising development sent shockwaves through global defence circles, highlighting India's growing geopolitical leverage while presenting a difficult choice: advanced American technology with restrictions, or Russian flexibility with an uncertain performance history. Reports now suggest that India is actively considering the Russian Su-57 offer over the American F-35. As per CNBC's Parikshit Luthra, government sources have confirmed that India is weighing the Su-57 offer, while no F-35 proposal is under consideration at the moment. What is driving this potential shift? And what should India ultimately choose—an American fighter jet, a Russian one, or should it double down on its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme? The decision is complex, consequential, and likely to shape India's military capabilities, strategic autonomy, and position in the global fifth-generation fighter race. Urgency and Options in India's Jet Quest India's need for fifth-generation jets is urgent. China already has J-20 stealth fighters operational along the border and is preparing to export its J-35 fighter, possibly to Pakistan. India's own AMCA programme has been cleared but is still in its early stages. Even in the most optimistic scenario, it will take several years before a prototype is ready for induction. That timeline makes a stop-gap purchase probable, and global defence manufacturers have been quick to recognise India's dilemma. The American F-35 is widely regarded as the most advanced stealth fighter in the world. Over a thousand F-35s are already in service with countries like Israel and NATO members. The jet has seen real combat, is loaded with cutting-edge sensors and avionics, and excels in stealth and situational awareness. But there are significant problems with this offer. First, the cost: each F-35 is priced between $80 to $110 million, nearly double the cost of the Russian Su-57. Second, the United States has shown no willingness to transfer technology or allow joint production—both non-negotiable for India. Then come the concerns about operational sovereignty. There have long been rumours that the F-35 contains a 'kill switch', a remote mechanism that could disable the aircraft. Whether or not such a feature exists, the core issue is that the aircraft runs on millions of lines of code controlled exclusively by the United States. Without access to the source code, India will not be able to integrate indigenous weapons like the BrahMos, Rudram, or Astra missiles. It would be locked into American munitions and maintenance systems, making the overall cost and dependency much higher. Russia Plays Game-Changing Card This is where Russia's offer stands out. Moscow is offering India the Su-57E, the export version of its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter, along with full access to the source code. This offer includes joint production in India, complete technology transfer, and the freedom to customise the aircraft with Indian weapons systems. With access to the source code, India could upgrade the jet independently, integrate indigenous systems, and reduce dependence on Russian support over time. Even France did not offer source code access for the Rafale jets, which is why India has been unable to integrate its own weapons into those platforms. Russia's proposal also includes upgrades to India's Su-30MKI fleet and support for the AMCA programme, potentially fast-tracking India's overall aerospace capabilities. Russia's Motivation Why is Russia making such an unprecedented offer? One reason is that the Su-57 has very few buyers. The ongoing war in Ukraine and Western sanctions have weakened Russia's defence exports. Only Algeria has reportedly placed an order for the jet. Secondly, the Su-57 hasn't yet achieved mass production. Fewer than 40 jets have been built, and Russia needs financial and industrial support to scale up. Thirdly, India was once part of the Su-57 project. Back in 2007, India and Russia had signed an agreement to jointly develop a fifth-generation fighter. However, India withdrew in 2018 over concerns about cost, performance, disagreements and delays. Still, it had already invested significant sums in the project, and Russia has kept the door open ever since. Reviving that partnership now makes both strategic and economic sense for Moscow. Su-57 vs F-35: Tactical Edges Technically, both the F-35 and Su-57 are fifth-generation jets, but they differ sharply in design philosophy. The F-35 excels in stealth, electronic warfare, and sensor fusion. It is designed to detect enemies first and strike from a distance, making it an ideal first-strike platform. The Su-57, on the other hand, is built for speed, agility, and manoeuvrability. In a long-range encounter, the F-35 would likely spot the Su-57 first. But in a close-range dogfight, the Su-57 could dominate owing to its manoeuvrability. To oversimplify: the F-35 is an offensive fighter, while the Su-57 is a defensive one. When viewed against the backdrop of Chinese capabilities, the Su-57 appears to offer a better match. China's J-20 is already deployed at the Himalayan border, and the J-35, while not yet in service with the Chinese air force, is being marketed aggressively, possibly at a discount to Pakistan. Both jets prioritise stealth, but their capabilities still lag behind the F-35. Compared to the Chinese fighters, the Su-57 holds clear advantages in speed, agility, and weapons integration. Moreover, India's ability to modify and customise the Su-57 would allow it to retain battlefield flexibility—something the F-35 deal cannot offer. F-35 wins in stealth and avionics, and it is battle tested unlike the Su-57, meanwhile while the Su-57 wins in manoeuvrability, weapons flexibility, sovereignty and access, and cost. Not Just Tactical, But Strategic But the decision going forward will not be exclusively tactical— it will be strategic. India weighing the Russian proposal signals that the time-tested India-Russia relationship still holds promise—despite today's geopolitical headwinds. What India seeks are favourable, future-ready deals—not lopsided ones forced at gun-point, even if they come from a key defence partner like the US. Ultimately, the jet should be thoroughly tested in Indian conditions to ensure it meets all operational needs. AMCA is Non-Negotiable top videos View all While this debate plays out, it is crucial that India does not lose sight of the AMCA programme. A big-ticket foreign purchase—whether American or Russian—should not divert attention from India's long-term goal of aerospace independence. The AMCA has been green-lit and is seeking international and private partners to co-develop engines and other critical systems. Talks are ongoing with Britain's Rolls-Royce and France's Safran for engine co-development with full technology transfer. DRDO has promised to deliver the AMCA by 2035. The choice India makes—between the F-35, Su-57 or solely AMCA—will not only shape the future of the Indian Air Force but also define the country's broader strategic posture. If India does go for a stop-gap foreign fighter, it must not forget that the ultimate priority is the AMCA. The skies may be contested, but sovereignty cannot be. About the Author Shubhangi Sharma Shubhangi Sharma is News Editor - Special Projects at News18. She covers foreign affairs and geopolitics, and also keeps a close watch on the national pulse of India. tags : China f35 Indian Air Force Russia Su-57 Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 14, 2025, 10:10 IST News opinion India Eyes Russian Su-57 Over American F-35: Final Choice Will Be Strategic, Not Just Tactical