The Russian stealth fighter is among most advanced defense systems on display at South Asian county’s largest aerospace exhibition
The Russian stealth Su-57 fighter jet took to the skies in India for the first time, performing jaw-dropping maneuvers in midair to mark the beginning of a four-day mega airshow, considered Asia’s largest.
The fighter, piloted by Russian test pilot Sergey Bogdan, performed twice on Monday, showcasing its maneuverability and agility with several close-circuit stunts. This marks the second international performance of the Su-57E (export version) in recent months, following its debut at Airshow China 2024 in November.
Rare footage shared by the Su-57 manufacturer United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) captures stunning cockpit views as the jet performs aerobatics over Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru.
UAC has emphasized that the Su-57 is the only fifth-generation fighter in the world that has successfully proven its effectiveness in real combat conditions against Western air defense systems.
“As a test pilot, I can confidently say that this aircraft possesses unique capabilities, rigorously tested and proven in real combat conditions,” Bogdan told RT in an interview at the airshow.
Meanwhile, the head of Russia’s state-owned defense export agency Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheev, told Interfax on the sidelines of the event that the first contracts for the export version of the Su-57, which were signed in November 2024, will be fulfilled with deliveries planned for this year.
The Su-57 is produced at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant. Commenting on production capacity, UAC General Director Vadim Badekha told RT on Monday that the plant is well-equipped to meet both domestic and international demand. He also noted that the Su-57 would be an “ideal” choice for India, which is keen to deploy a fifth-generation fighter in its Air Force.
“Firstly, our partnership with India has a long history, with deep technological cooperation. We don’t just sell planes to India; together with our Indian partners, we jointly produce modified versions for the Indian market and establish local manufacturing. Moreover, the Su-57 is simply the best fighter aircraft today. It has demonstrated all its declared capabilities in real combat conditions,” he said.
The Sukhoi Su-57 is on display in Bengaluru alongside its primary competitor among the world’s few stealth-equipped fifth-generation fighter aircraft—the U.S. Lockheed Martin F-35.
“The inclusion of both the Su-57 and F-35 highlights India’s position as a key hub for international defense and aerospace collaboration. Aero India 2025 will provide a rare side-by-side comparison of Eastern and Western fifth-generation fighter technology, offering defense analysts, military personnel, and aviation enthusiasts valuable insights into their respective capabilities,” India’s defense ministry said in a statement.
