India is hesitating between purchasing Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighters and French Rafale jets. Formally, these aircraft belong to different generations, but they are considered the pinnacle of Russian and European military aviation.
"Pervy Tekhnichesky" compared them across five key criteria and identified the strengths and weaknesses of each combat aircraft.
Stealth
The Su-57 was initially designed as a fighter with internal weapon bays, radar-absorbing coatings, and reduced RCS. The Rafale belongs to the 4++ generation, so it does not have a full stealth concept.
However, the French aircraft actively reduces its visibility through its airframe design, but it still lags behind the Russian machine in terms of stealth. We award a point to the Su-57.
Maneuverability and Speed
The Su-57 is capable of reaching speeds of about Mach 2 and uses thrust vectoring engines. This gives it super maneuverability, which is unavailable to most Western fighters.
The Rafale is also considered an extremely maneuverable machine due to its canard design, but in terms of power and thrust reserve, the French aircraft is inferior.
Onboard Electronics
The Rafale received one of the most powerful electronic warfare systems in the world – SPECTRA. Electronics are considered the main trump card of the French aircraft.
The capabilities of the Su-57's Sh-121 radar with five integrated AESA antennas look very powerful on paper, but a significant part of its characteristics is still classified, and there is no large-scale operation yet. For now, we will give the advantage to the French aircraft here.
Armament
The Su-57 is capable of using long-range R-37M, Kh-59MK2 missiles and weapons from internal bays. The Russian aircraft relies on long-range interception and stealthy launch.
The Rafale uses extremely dangerous Meteor missiles, which are considered among the best in the world for long-range air combat. However, in terms of the overall nomenclature of heavy weaponry, the Russian machine looks more powerful.
Combat Experience and Readiness
The Rafale has been fighting in real conflicts for many years. The aircraft has been fully brought to series production and is being produced in large batches.
The Su-57 remains a relatively new machine with a limited fleet. Yes, the aircraft has been used in combat operations, but in terms of scale of operation, the French aircraft is currently ahead. A point in its favor.
Final score – 3:2 in favor of the Su-57.
The Su-57 appears to be a more technologically ambitious fighter: higher speed, better maneuverability, lower visibility, and more powerful armament.
But the Rafale wins in platform maturity. The French aircraft has already proven its effectiveness in real-world operation and has become one of the most successful export fighters in the world.