F-35 vs Su-57 is one of modern aviation’s most heated debates. The American F-35 Lightning II powers NATO air dominance with unmatched stealth and networked warfare, while the Russian Su-57 Felon emphasises agility, firepower, and affordability.
At first glance, it seems simple: the F-35 is stealthier, the Su-57 more manoeuvrable. Yet these fighters reflect two rival philosophies: one built on global alliances and advanced technology, the other on rugged design and independence.
This debate is not only about stealth and engines, but also about who these jets serve, what they cost to maintain, and how they shape decisions for nations like India, Spain, and NATO allies. This article breaks down both fighters to give you clear answers, global context, and India’s unique angle at the end.
The F-35 Lightning II: America’s Stealth Backbone
The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin, is the most exported fifth-generation fighter in history. More than 1,000 have already been delivered to the US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as international operators such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Israel, Italy, and South Korea.
Strengths of the F-35
- Stealth dominance with radar-absorbing coatings and sleek fuselage shaping.
- Sensor fusion technology, where radar, infrared, and targeting systems create one integrated battlefield picture.
- Global network integration is making it the core of NATO’s airpower strategy.
- Operational flexibility through three variants: F-35A (land-based), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier version).
Weaknesses of the F-35
- Maintenance dependency. A Royal Navy F-35B was stuck for 39 days at Kochi Naval Base in Kerala with a landing gear fault, requiring Lockheed Martin specialists. Another faced downtime in Japan. This highlights the jet’s reliance on foreign technicians for repairs.
- High operating cost, averaging $35,000 per flight hour, one of the most expensive among fighters.
- Technology restrictions, since the US tightly controls access to mission codes and integration with non-NATO systems.
The F-35 excels in stealth and situational awareness, but its complexity and political strings cannot be ignored.
Also read: [India to Buy 5th Gen Fighter Jet: F-35 or Su-57?]
The Su-57 Felon: Russia’s Fifth-Generation Challenger
The Su-57 Felon, produced by Sukhoi, is Russia’s answer to American stealth dominance. Unlike the F-35, it blends stealth with manoeuvrability, ruggedness, and firepower.
Strengths of the Su-57
- 3D thrust-vectoring engines that enable extreme manoeuvres in dogfights.
- Large internal weapons bays allow it to carry hypersonic and long-range missiles.
- Adaptable stealth design, not as invisible as the F-35 but more aerodynamic.
- Lower acquisition cost, estimated between $50–70 million, making it cheaper than Western fifth-generation fighters.
- Ease of maintenance, built with Russia’s philosophy of rugged combat readiness.
Weaknesses of the Su-57
- Engines. Current aircraft fly with AL-41F1 powerplants, adapted from the Su-35. These are capable but not fully stealth-optimised. The AL-51 (Izdeliye 30) engines are under development and not yet widely deployed.
- Limited production numbers, as Russia has inducted only a small fleet compared to the global spread of the F-35.
The Su-57 may not rival the F-35’s stealth, but its agility, weapon load, and affordability make it a credible contender.
Also read: [India’s Ghatak UCAV and CATS Warrior: The Future of Unmanned Combat]
F-35 vs Su-57: Technical Comparison
| Feature | F-35 Lightning II | Su-57 Felon |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Cost | $80–100 million | $50–70 million |
| Stealth Level | Very high, radar-absorbing coatings | Moderate, balanced with agility |
| Engines | 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135 | 2 × AL-41F1 (AL-51 under development) |
| Maneuverability | Good, not designed for extreme dogfights | Exceptional, 3D thrust-vectoring engines |
| Avionics | Advanced sensor fusion, NATO integration | Strong avionics, less networked |
| Maintenance | Complex, requires Lockheed Martin support | Easier to maintain, rugged philosophy |
| Operating Cost | ~$35,000 per flight hour | Lower, not officially disclosed |
| Export Policy | Restricted to US allies | Open to multiple non-NATO buyers |
This side-by-side look shows why the debate is so polarised. The F-35 is stealthier and better connected, but the Su-57 offers affordability, agility, and fewer export restrictions.
Also read: [India’s Hypersonic Missile Projects: Project Vishnu, Rudram, and More]
See more: US F-35 vs Russia’s Su-57 photo gallery on WIONews
Global Reactions to the F-35 and Su-57
United States
The Pentagon promotes the F-35 as the cornerstone of allied airpower, while often dismissing the Su-57 as less stealthy and unproven in combat.
Russia
Moscow highlights the Su-57’s manoeuvrability and cost advantage. It actively markets the fighter to potential customers such as Algeria, Vietnam, and the UAE.
United Kingdom and Europe
The Royal Navy flies F-35Bs from its carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Italy and the Netherlands also operate the jet, seeing it as essential for NATO operations. Meanwhile, Europe pursues sixth-generation projects like GCAP (UK-Italy-Japan Tempest) and FCAS (France-Germany-Spain).
Asia-Pacific
- Japan has ordered over 100 F-35s, making it the largest operator outside the US.
- South Korea fields F-35As and develops its own KF-21 Boramae.
- China closely tracks both jets with its J-20 Mighty Dragon, aiming for regional air dominance.
Export and Cost Comparison
- F-35 Lightning II: Costs around $80–100 million per unit, with extremely high sustainment costs. Exports are limited to close US allies.
- Su-57 Felon: Estimated $50–70 million per aircraft, lower operating costs, and fewer restrictions. Russia markets it more openly to non-NATO buyers.
For smaller nations, the Su-57 appears more attractive financially, while NATO allies prefer the F-35 for interoperability.
Spain and India: Why They Rejected the F-35
The F-35’s global spread is impressive, but not every nation has welcomed it. Two important countries, Spain and India, have both stepped away from acquiring the Lightning II.
Spain’s Position
Spain chose not to pursue the F-35 despite operating carrier aircraft. Instead, Madrid committed to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with France and Germany. This was about more than cost. It was about European defence independence. Spain avoided dependency on American technology while investing in its own sixth-generation fighter programme.
India’s Position
India’s rejection is more layered. When Prime Minister Modi met Donald Trump, the F-35 was informally mentioned. However, the aircraft has never been officially offered. Even if it were, India’s Russian-heavy arsenal, S-400 systems, and need for technology transfer make it nearly impossible to induct the Lightning II.
Both Spain and India prove that the F-35 is not a universal solution. For some, autonomy and local industry matter more than joining America’s stealth network.
Also read: [India to Buy 5th Gen Fighter Jet: F-35 or Su-57?]
India’s Unique Dilemma: Su-57 or F-35?
The F-35 and India
- India’s reliance on Russian systems, including the S-400 Triumf, could expose F-35 stealth signatures.
- No technology transfer, limiting operational independence.
- Maintenance challenges, as seen with the F-35 stranded in Kerala.
Also read: [India’s S-400 Triumf Air Defence System: Game-Changer or Limitation?]
The Su-57 and India
Russia has officially offered the Su-57 to India, including local manufacturing at HAL’s Nashik facility and transfer of technology.
For India, this means:
- Operational freedom with no US restrictions.
- Industrial growth and job creation through local assembly.
- A boost to indigenous projects like the AMCA.
Also read: [India’s AMCA Stealth Fighter: Development, Challenges, and Future]
Final Verdict: Which Fifth-Generation Fighter Really Wins?
If the contest is about stealth and avionics, the F-35 Lightning II remains ahead.
If it is about agility, affordability, and independence, the Su-57 Felon offers more flexibility.
- For NATO allies, the F-35 is unmatched.
- For Russia and potential non-NATO buyers, the Su-57 provides a competitive option.
- For Spain, Europe’s sixth-generation ambitions outweighed American stealth.
- For India, the Su-57 is more realistic given technology transfer promises and compatibility with Russian systems.
In the global debate of F-35 vs Su-57, the real winner depends on the operator’s priorities. For India, the balance tilts toward the Su-57 Felon.