During 2024, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) undertook various efforts to promote the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter internationally, as it continues to equip the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). This was evident with the presence of two units of the fifth-generation aircraft at the Zhuhai Air Show in China. Recently, it has been confirmed that Russia has deployed one of its Su-57s to India to participate in static and aerial displays at the Aero India 2025 international air show.
From February 10 to 14, India serves as the epicenter where leading aviation companies from around the world showcase their latest developments. In UAC’s case, backed by the long-standing and extensive partnership between India and Russia, it has arranged for one of the new Su-57s equipping the Russian Aerospace Forces to be present at the event. Piloted by Sergey Bogdan, and as part of the air show’s opening ceremony, the stealth fighter performed its first demonstration flight today before a large crowd attending the event’s opening day.
The presence of the stealth fighter, identified in widely circulated photographs as the T-50-4 “054 Blue”—one of the aircraft that participated in last year’s Zhuhai Air Show in China—aligns with the strategy to promote the export variant of the fifth-generation aircraft, designated as the “Su-57E.” While specific details about this variant remain scarce, UAC officials revealed last year that the first export contract had been secured for a new customer, without disclosing the country’s identity. Speculation points to nations in Asia or North Africa, which are unable to acquire the only other fifth-generation fighter currently in production for the international market: the F-35.
Alongside the promotional efforts recorded in 2024, the Russian industrial consortium has also announced new investments aimed at increasing Su-57 production and delivery rates. This is reflected in the expansion plans for the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft production plant. As reported by UAC in August last year, new facilities were inaugurated, including buildings for fuel system testing and the completion of the first phase of a hangar for testing onboard radio-electronic equipment (BREO), all with the goal of scaling up serial aircraft production.
Beyond these developments, the event presents another opportunity to witness the capabilities of the Russian fighter, with its supermaneuverability being one of its standout features for the audience. Additionally, widely shared photographs have captured the meeting between the VKS Su-57 and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) F-35, which is also present at Aero India 2025. In the current geopolitical context, the image offers a surreal contrast, with both aircraft peacefully sharing the platform and soaring through the skies in aerial displays designed to impress spectators.
Finally, UAC officials have emphasized the strong partnership with Indian companies, highlighting various aircraft manufacturing programs, such as the Su-30MKI, which is produced under license by HAL. They also pointed to the potential for deepening the historic cooperation between the two nations through new milestones in the development of next-generation fighter aircraft.
Su-57 Aerial Demonstration – Aero India 2025
Photographs: Russian Embassy in India.
