2024-03-16 13:11:31
The US F-35 surpasses the Russian Su-57 in stealth, sensor technology and operational capabilities, by a decisive advantage.
When the United States introduced the F-22 Raptor more than a quarter of a century ago, it marked the pioneering presence of a fifth-generation aircraft that dominated global skies. This milestone cemented America’s air supremacy, a status that remained unmatched for years as competing nations embarked on the race to develop fifth-generation counterparts.
In the contemporary scenario, both Russia and China have introduced their advanced platforms – the Su-57 and the Chengdu J-20, respectively. While the J-20 is considered a considerable rival to the American F-35 Lightning II, the Russian Su-57, known as the “Felon,” is often perceived as less capable.
Technological and strategic deployment in the Fifth Generation
Su-57
Originating at the dawn of the Cold War, the Su-57 concept was forged by the Soviet Union, anticipating the creation of a new generation fighter.
The incipient I-90 Program aspired to succeed the renowned MiG-29 and Su-27 platforms. However, the disintegration of the USSR caused significant delays in the project. It was not until 2020 that the first Russian fifth-generation fighter entered service.
The Sukhoi Su-57, designated “Felon” by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, stands as the inaugural Russian effort to integrate stealth technologies into its design, a task undertaken by the Sukhoi Design Bureau under the umbrella of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). This development represented a substantial technological advance for Russia.
The Kremlin claims that the Su-57 has the power to attack and neutralize a wide spectrum of targets, including land, air and sea. Despite these claims, the limited production of the Su-57 mitigates any significant potential threat to the United States or its F-35 fleets.
Production limitations, coupled with Western restrictions on military technology and equipment, minimize the likelihood of a sharp increase in Su-57 manufacturing, calling into question its potential influence on the balance of global air power.
The F-35 vs. Su-57: A Comparison of Air Capabilities
F-35 Tech Refresh 3/Block 4
Contrary to the limited deployment of the Sukhoi Su-57, the F-35 Lightning II has been produced in significant volume, establishing itself as one of the most sought-after tactical fighters globally.
Although both the Lightning II and Felon are designed with stealth features, it is in the advanced computing, available arsenal, mission systems and high-resolution, long-range sensors where the F-35 excels.
Although the F-35 may not match the speed of its Russian counterpart, it is credited with superior stealth capabilities that facilitate its ability to attack enemy targets before being detected.
This aircraft, powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, reaches a maximum speed of Mach 1.6. It is also distinguished by an advanced sensor fusion system, which generates a unified vision of the theater of operations that enriches the pilot’s situational awareness.
360-degree sensor coverage and long-range electro-optical targeting technologies allow you to identify threats quickly and accurately.
Su-57
Despite Russian claims about the Su-57’s supremacy as the definitive fifth generation in air dominance, pitting it against an F-35 in real combat could reveal critical deficiencies in the Russian design.
Historically, the Kremlin has tended to overestimate the performance of its military systems, and the Su-57 is no exception, potentially suffering in key aspects compared to its American counterpart.
Given Russia’s continued investment in the Ukraine conflict, it is unlikely that additional resources will be devoted to expanding the Su-57 fleet, further limiting its presence on the global military landscape against the widely-held F-35. distributed and technologically advanced.
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