On September 24, 2025, facing the "fully stealth" glow of the J-35 fighter jets that Pakistan plans to introduce and the "fierce" gaze of the PL-15E missiles, the Indian Air Force was a bit "nervous." As a result, the Indian Ministry of Defense pulled out a big move: urgently ordering 140 Russian Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, planned to be equipped with seven squadrons. Although the Su-57 is humorously called a "half-stealth" fighter, its stealth performance is somewhat "shy," but India seems determined to rely on it for courage, to counter regional threats, and to find a solid backing for the "big brother" Rafale fighter jet.

According to The Print, India plans to first take two squadrons (about 40 aircraft) of Su-57 from Russia "on the spot," and then replicate the process at the Nashik factory of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to produce five more squadrons (about 100 aircraft). This approach is reminiscent of the past — the Su-30MKI was also handled this way, resulting in an order that expanded from 140 to over 270 aircraft. It seems that the Indian Air Force's appetite for the Su-57 may be larger than expected, after all, who can resist the temptation of "buying a fighter jet and getting technology along with it?"

The Sinhdu Action in May this year left the Indian Air Force feeling a bit "embarrassed." Although the Rafale fighter jet has a good appearance, it looked like a "supporting actor" against the semi-stealthy J-10C fighter jet from Pakistan. And once Pakistan introduces the J-35, which has the best stealth performance among current operational fighters, paired with the PL-15E missile, it would make the Indian Air Force shiver.

The rough craftsmanship of the Su-57 makes it an oddity among fifth-generation fighters. Although it can only be considered a "half-stealth" fighter, it has an extremely long range, strong multi-role capabilities, and can carry hypersonic missiles to "fight back." Indian analysts enthusiastically stated that the Su-57 is not only a "game-changer," but also a "psychological comfort drug" for the air force brothers. Even if its stealth performance is a bit lacking, it at least can go up and act as a "target" for the J-35 — oh no, it's a "sharpshooter" to intercept the PL-15E.

India's "national light" Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still lingering far away in the future after 2030, and it might even drag until after 2040 before it "comes of age." Compared to this, the "half-stealth" veteran Su-57 is already battle-tested. From the fact that the Russian Aerospace Forces dare not go deep into the Ukrainian airspace, it's clear that the Su-57's "battle-tested" value is negligible.

For India, if it had to wait for the AMCA to actually fly, it would probably have to face the "grandson generation" of the PL-15E missiles. The "half-stealth" label of the Su-57 may not be perfect, but with its long range and advanced weapons, it at least allows India to "stand firm" in the skies of South Asia.

The arrival of 140 Su-57s, even if it takes another 10 years, will not only let the Indian Air Force's combat power "soar" quickly, but also help boost the domestic aviation industry. Licensing production will not only make Hindustan Aeronautics Limited earn a lot, but also allow it to "steal" some Russian technology.

Although the "half-stealth" label of the Su-57 makes it slightly disadvantaged when facing the J-35, its ability to "fight, withstand, and fly far" is enough for India to "stand tall" in the skies of South Asia. Not to mention, these aircraft can also bring a "psychological boost": even if the stealth performance is slightly inferior, they can at least "fly proudly" around, telling opponents "I'm not someone to be messed with."

Since February, the Indian Ministry of Defense has been "flirting" with Russia, and the "painful lessons" of the Sinhdu Action have accelerated the negotiations. With the Su-57 acquisition plan gradually taking shape, the Indian Air Force is expected to "show off" in ten years, at least giving Pakistan a few more reasons to say, "Come on, stealth or not, who's afraid of whom! The Rafale can shoot down the PL-15E, and the Su-57 can do better, because I have 140 of them!"

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7554198098210243087/

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