RT.com
11 Feb 2025

The Russian stealth fighter is among most advanced defense systems on display at South Asian countys 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.

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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 Bengalurualongside its primary competitoramong 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.

(RT.com)