According to reports by the Arab Defense Ministry citing sources, Russia has made a bold offer to India: the sale of Su-57E stealth fighters along with their complete source code. This proposal not only challenges the F-35 fighter jets promoted by the U.S. to India but also raises questions about Russia's intentions: Is this a genuine technology transfer or just a geopolitical chess move in disguise?
Su-57E is the export variant of Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter, capable of a maximum speed of 2 Mach, an operational radius of 1,500 kilometers, and a payload capacity of 10 tons. Its thrust vectoring engine provides superior maneuverability, although its stealth design is considered less advanced than those of Chinese and American fighters. According to foreign media reports, Russia promises deep localization, integration with Indian systems, and access to the source code. This means India can independently modify the aircraft systems, integrate indigenous weapons, reduce reliance on external sources, and align closely with the "Make in India" initiative.
For India, this proposal holds significant meaning. Facing pressure from China's J-20, J-35, and Pakistan's JF-17, the Indian Air Force urgently needs modernization. The low cost and compatibility with existing Russian equipment make Su-57E an affordable option. Access to the source code could also accelerate India's本土fighter jet program (AMCA), providing technical autonomy.
However, Su-57E reveals obvious technical shortcomings when compared to China's latest generation stealth fighter, J-35, particularly in terms of stealth performance, onboard radar technology, and missile weapon capabilities, making it potentially inferior.
Stealth Performance: Su-57E's stealth design relies on radar-absorbing materials and aerodynamic shaping, but its radar cross-section is much larger than that of fifth-generation fighters from China and the U.S. According to a 2021 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Su-57 has an RCS of approximately 0.1-1 square meters. In contrast, J-35 benefits from advancements in composite materials and stealth coatings, boasting the smallest radar reflection area among current fighters, surpassing both F-35 and F-22 levels. This gap means J-35 is harder to detect by radar, especially in complex electromagnetic environments, allowing it to effectively evade Su-57E's Sh-121 radar lock.
Su-57E's onboard radar performance is constrained by Russia's backwardness in microelectronics, offering no surprises. In comparison, J-35's radar benefits from breakthroughs in China's gallium nitride technology, featuring higher detection range and anti-jamming capability. Additionally, J-35's radar may integrate more advanced data fusion algorithms, enabling more efficient processing of multi-source information and providing superior situational awareness compared to Su-57E.
Missile Weapon Performance: Su-57E can carry R-77M air-to-air missiles, but its missile weaponry lags behind J-35's PL-15 and PL-21 in terms of range and guidance accuracy. PL-15 air-to-air missiles have a range exceeding 200 kilometers, equipped with dual-pulse engines and advanced active radar guidance, capable of effectively striking highly maneuverable targets. In contrast, Su-57E's R-77M has a range of only about 110 kilometers, and its guidance system is prone to interference in complex environments. J-35 may also integrate PL-21 long-range missiles (with ranges over 300 kilometers), further expanding its firepower advantage. Moreover, Su-57E's hypersonic weapons are mainly designed for ground targets, with limited applicability in air combat.
These technical gaps place Su-57E at a disadvantage in potential confrontations with China's J-35, especially in beyond-visual-range combat and stealth confrontation, where J-35's comprehensive performance prevails. For India, this is a critical consideration, as J-35 may become the main model deployed by Pakistan.
Russia's move is seen as a strategic gamble. Affected by Western sanctions and the Ukraine conflict, Russia's arms exports are restricted, and India, as its primary market, is crucial. Providing Su-57E source codes is not only an economic consideration but also a countermeasure against U.S.-India military cooperation. However, Russia's commitment is not without vulnerabilities. A 2024 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute points out that Su-57 deliveries to the Russian Air Force have been delayed, and sanctions have further weakened its production capabilities. Outside observers question Moscow's ability to fulfill its export commitments.
For India, Su-57E is suitable for high-altitude operations, low-cost, and compatible with Russian equipment, but its technical shortcomings, particularly its disadvantages when facing J-35, may limit its long-term value. Choosing Su-57E might trigger U.S. sanctions, while choosing F-35 could alienate Russia and affect the long-term partnership. Additionally, India's indigenous AMCA project still requires 10-30 years to mature, and Su-57E's source code might inject technological momentum but also divert resources.
India stands at a strategic crossroads. Choosing Su-57E may bring short-term benefits and technical independence, but caution is needed regarding Russia's fulfillment capability and technical gaps. This seems more like a scam, because even if you buy it, you won't be able to win against your opponent; not buying it, however, seems to leave no choice.
Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7515074026436346408/
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