Inferior in stealth technologies to F-22 and F-35: The National Interest explained how Russians compensate for the main disadvantage of the Su-57

The Russian fifth-generation multirole fighter Su-57 potentially has an advantage over the American F-35 Lightning II due to powerful engines and nozzles with thrust vectoring. This gives the aircraft exceptional post-stall maneuverability (a sharp drop in lift as a result of disruption of normal airflow around the wing). This opinion was expressed in an article for The National Interest by military expert Harrison Kass.

In theory, the Su-57 combines stealth (stealth technology), like the F-22, and flexibility, like the F-35, while maintaining the flight capabilities of the Su-27/Su-35, Kass noted. But upon closer examination, it turns out that the Russian aircraft has vulnerabilities.

Kass suggested that in an air battle beyond visual range, the Su-57 will be detected earlier than the pilot of the Russian aircraft detects the enemy.

In addition, the Su-57 pilot is less aware of what is happening in the air than the pilots of the F-22 and F-35. This is because Russian avionics are inferior to Western ones.

Kass recalled that Russia has not yet been able to establish the production of the Su-57 in large batches. The fighters enter service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in small quantities.

According to information from open sources, about 30 serial Su-57s were produced in the Russian Federation. In addition, a pilot batch of 10 aircraft was produced.

If we do not talk about the quantitative advantage of the F-35, the Su-57 is an ambitious project that could potentially become the basis for the development of new highly efficient aircraft, Kass summarized.

Read more materials on the topic:

• The reason for the lack of Su-57 deliveries to the Aerospace Forces in 2025 has become known
• Su-57: modernization of the fifth-generation fighter continues
• Rostec's development will reduce the visibility of Su-57 and Su-75 fighters in the infrared range