Russian Su-57 Jet to Set the Skies on Fire at Aero India 2025

The Russian Su-57 stealth combat aircraft, the only fifth generation fighter extensively used in combat, will grace the skies at Aero India 2025 in Bangalore starting next week

The Embassy of Russia in India has confirmed the impending arrival of the aircraft and participation in the flying displays at Aero India.

Known for its breathtaking aerobatics that has enthralled aviation watchers at the Moscow air show (MAKS) for years, it spectacular debut at Air show China in Zhuhai late 2024 stole the show from China’s own fifth generation jets such as J-20.

The Su-57 is celebrating 15 years since its first flight in January 2010. Since then the aircraft has undergone various improvements and add-ons that have it the formidable aircraft that it is today.

“The Su-57 can be considered the most tested fifth-generation fighter in real combat conditions today,” said Rostec, the parent company of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) which manufactures the Su-57.

“Today, the Su-57 successfully carries out combat missions during the Special Military Operation (in Ukraine). The fighter demonstrated its effectiveness in hitting air and ground targets, including precision strikes from long distances. It is used around the clock, in any weather conditions and in a complex jamming environment,” Rostec added.

Ultra Stealth

One of the mandatory properties of fifth-generation fighters is to reduce the aircraft's visibility by minimizing the number of sharp edges on the fuselage and wings. To achieve this, the Su-57 does not have right angles and groups of edges have the same angle. In addition, its weapons are deployed from an internal bay, which also reduces visibility.

To impart stealth properties to the cockpit of the Su-57, ONPP "Technology", which is part of Rostec, created a unique glass with a coating that makes the aircraft barely noticeable to radars. Its stealth properties are achieved by applying the thinnest films of metals and metal oxides using the magnetron sputtering method in a vacuum. This metal-optical coating not only hides the onboard electronics from radar, but also provides protection for the equipment and the pilot from ultraviolet radiation.

Active Phased Array Radar

Another requirement for fifth-generation fighters is the presence of an active phased array (APAA), a reliable and effective technology for detecting enemy aircraft. The Su-57 has one. Its radar antennas are located not only in the nose of the aircraft, but are also distributed over the surface of the aircraft.

The Su-57’s radar is capable of addressing several tasks simultaneously: searching for and detecting targets, while simultaneously surveying the area, tuning out interference, jamming the enemy and performing cartography. The Belka radar with AFAR, developed by Rostec enterprises, provides the Su-57 with a circular view for hundreds of kilometers.