The Russian Su-57 remains the only truly suitable fifth-generation fighter for India. The American F-35 proved too complex an option for the republic in terms of operation and infrastructure, said military expert Dinakar Peri.
For decades, India has predominantly used Soviet and Russian aviation equipment, so transitioning to American aircraft would require creating an entirely new maintenance system, pilot training, and logistics.
India does not have a culture of operating American fighter jets. It would have to be built from scratch.
Against this backdrop, he called the Su-57 the only option capable of quickly ensuring a balance of power in the region.
Recall that Russia offered India not only deliveries of the Su-57E but also localization of production, as well as participation in the development of an Indian new-generation fighter.
However, the republic is still looking towards more than a hundred new Rafales and intends to build a new fighter without Russia's participation.
