Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter jet “flat-out beats” the U.S. F-35 in raw performance specifications, former Pentagon analyst and retired U.S. Air Force Lt Col Karen Kwiatkowski reportedly said, stirring up a hornet’s nest.
SU-57 - low altitude pic.twitter.com/6ofFzRXLEs
— Patricia Marins (@pati_marins64) November 26, 2025
Speaking to Sputnik India during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India, the expert said that the Russian jets may possess kinetic and structural advantages over its American competitor. “The Su-57 is bigger, faster, has over twice the range, twin engines for durability, and carries more payload with greater variety,” Karen Kwiatkowski reportedly said.
It is to be noted that Russia has been pitching Su-57 as a stopgap measure while India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) takes shape. For the unversed, she is the winner of the Sam Adams Award for Integrity in Intelligence and held various roles for the National Security Agency (NSA) during her years in service.
Some reports have indicated that Moscow may offer New Delhi, a time-tested ally, with unrestricted access to Su-57 technology, including mission system source codes, deep local production rights, and full integration with India’s future sixth-generation programs.
Su-57E, the export variant, made an appearance at the Dubai Air Show and conducted flight displays, showcasing the jet's agility and advanced maneuverability. According to news agency TASS, the aircraft was piloted at the air show by test pilot Sergey Bogd, who performed various aerobatic maneuvers.
Su-57E, which Russia pitches as an alternative to the US F-35 and Chinese J-20, was earlier showcased in China and India as well.
CEO of Russia’s state tech corporation Rostec had recently said the export variant Su-57E has the ability to deploy advanced precision weapons. Capable of engaging air, ground and naval targets, the jet features stealth technology with extensive use of composite materials. It can achieve supersonic cruising speeds and is equipped with cutting-edge onboard electronic systems, including a powerful onboard computer.
The US has been repeatedly lobbying global military powers such as India to lift the American defence exports. As a consequence of Donald Trump’s latest flat 25 per cent tariff on all Indian exports, New Delhi had reportedly told US officials that India was no longer interested in buying its fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jets.
USA's fifth-generation fighter jets are tied to Lockheed Martin software, they have high operational costs, and they cost $80 million each according to official US government estimates.
