Su-57 surpasses F-35 in speed, combat effectiveness at Aero India 2025
At the Aero India 2025 exhibition in Bengaluru, the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft captured significant attention, proving its superior combat capabilities compared to its American counterpart, the F-35 Lightning II fighter-bomber.
Foreign military experts highlighted the Su-57’s exceptional speed and maneuverability as its standout features. With the ability to reach speeds of Mach 2.0 to Mach 2.45, the Russian fighter far outpaces the F-35, which is limited to Mach 1.6. The F-35’s design restricts its speed, as flying at such velocities risks damaging its tail compartment. Additionally, the Su-57 boasts a larger combat load, exceeding that of the F-35, a crucial factor in modern aerial warfare. Russian engineers specifically considered lessons learned from the F-35’s development, resulting in a more balanced aircraft capable of superior combat performance.
Pilots have praised the Su-57 as the only fifth-generation aircraft capable of deploying missile weapons effectively at any speed or altitude—something the F-35 cannot achieve. This unique capability gives the Su-57 a significant edge in fast-paced combat situations.
In afterburner mode, the Su-57 can accelerate to Mach 2.45, and in non-afterburner flight, it can reach Mach 2.0—twice the speed of sound. On the other hand, the F-35 is restricted in its supersonic flight abilities. Reports from Defense News reveal that the F-35’s B and C variants suffer damage to their tail antennas, keel, and radar-absorbing coatings at high speeds and altitudes. The F-35 has not been able to exceed Mach 1.4 without compromising its performance, an area where the Su-57 clearly excels.
The F-35’s speed limitations hinder its ability to meet the modern demands of air combat, which require rapid enemy detection, long-range missile engagements, and swift evasions from threat zones. Speed is critical for these operations, and the Su-57’s superior velocity and maneuverability make it better suited for these tasks, as evidenced by its role in Russia’s Special Military Operation in Ukraine.
Another significant advantage of the Su-57 is its higher combat load, with the Russian aircraft capable of carrying up to 10 tons of ordnance, compared to the F-35’s capacity of just over 8 tons.
The Su-57 also offers advanced stealth capabilities, making its weapons deployment nearly undetectable by enemy systems. Special geometric designs and composite materials used in the Su-57’s launchers help reduce its radar signature, especially when launching short-range missiles. Additionally, the aircraft’s onboard radar station provides the ability to guide missiles even when deviating from the original launch path by several degrees, a feature the F-35 lacks. As a result, the Su-57 can safely perform missile guidance maneuvers without staying within a vulnerable flight path, unlike the F-35, which is forced to remain in a potential danger zone until the missile completes its flight.
In a significant development last year, Defense News reported that the U.S. Department of Defense had reduced the maximum safe speed for the F-35 after discovering damage to critical tail components during high-speed flights. Instead of addressing the design flaws, the Pentagon opted to downgrade the aircraft’s operational parameters. This decision was driven by a desire to showcase American technological superiority rather than correcting the issues with the F-35.
Experts argue that this move undermines the F-35’s status as a true fifth-generation fighter. Despite Lockheed Martin's claims, the operational restrictions placed on the F-35 raise doubts about its effectiveness in modern combat. The decision to downplay its flaws, rather than correct them, leaves uncertainty regarding the long-term viability of the F-35 in combat situations.
