Delhi, 07 February (HS): This time Russian Sukhoi-57 jet will rock Asia's largest arms exhibition 'Aero India' at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru. Two of the only fifth generation stealth Russian fighter planes used extensively in the war with Ukraine have landed on Karnataka soil and will grace the skies of Bengaluru after the inauguration on February 10. Russia has officially offered its fifth generation Sukhoi-57 fighter planes to India, which also proposes to develop an indigenous version by setting up a plant in India and doing joint production.

The Russian Embassy in India has confirmed the arrival of Sukhoi-57 jet in Bengaluru and flying in Aero India to participate in the air show. This fighter jet is known for its breathtaking aerobatics, which took its first flight in January 2010. The Sukhoi-57 jet is now celebrating 15 years of its flight. Meanwhile, many improvements have been made to the aircraft as per the need and during the special military operation in Ukraine, the fighter aircraft have performed impressively in hitting air and ground targets, including precision strikes from long distances. They are used round the clock in any weather conditions and in complex environments.

According to Russian company Rosoboronexport, this aircraft with stealth capabilities is equipped with an advanced AESA radar system and has the ability to launch cruise missiles. Sukhoi-57 is expected to get a new AL-51F1 engine, which is designed for sustained supersonic flight without afterburner, which will further enhance its combat capability. Meanwhile, the US Air Force has canceled the demonstration flights of the F-35 and upgraded F-16 at Aero India-2025. The F-35, first introduced at Aero India 2023, was expected to be a major attraction this year, but its absence may draw attention to the Sukhoi-57.

The Russian company is the only one ready to transfer the technology of the 5th generation fighter aircraft to India. Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev said that we are not only delivering the Sukhoi-57E to India, but also helping in joint production and development of Indian 5th generation fighter aircraft.

Russia's Sukhoi-57 has proven its combat effectiveness against modern Western air defense systems in Ukraine. It can deal with threats at all distances, including long distances, which the F-35 aircraft does not have the capability. He said that India-Russia cooperation will not only pave the way for the production of fighter aircraft for domestic use, but will also open the way for its export.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar