F-35 vs Su-57 vs AMCA: Comparative Analysis of Next-Generation Stealth Fighters
The race for air superiority in the 21st century has led to the development of fifth-generation fighter jets that combine stealth, agility, advanced avionics, and network-centric warfare capabilities. Among the leading contenders are the American F-35 Lightning II, Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, and the upcoming Indian Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). In this article, we conduct a comprehensive comparison of these aircraft, examining their design, performance, capabilities, and strategic significance.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of Each Aircraft
- F-35 Lightning II
- Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
- HAL AMCA
- Design and Stealth Features
- Avionics and Cockpit Technology
- Engine and Performance
- Weapons and Payload
- Radar and Sensor Suite
- Network-Centric Warfare Capability
- Operational Status
- Cost and Export Market
- Strategic Importance and Indigenous Value
- Final Comparison Table
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Fighter aircraft are no longer judged solely by speed or payload. In today’s defense landscape, stealth, situational awareness, electronic warfare, and data fusion play pivotal roles. The F-35 Lightning II, Su-57 Felon, and HAL AMCA represent their nations’ ambitions to dominate the skies well into the 21st century.
Overview of Each Aircraft
F-35 Lightning II
- Country: United States
- Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
- Maiden Flight: 2006
- Variants: F-35A (conventional), F-35B (STOVL), F-35C (carrier)
- Entered Service: 2015
- Users: USA, UK, Italy, Japan, Australia, Israel, and others
Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
- Country: Russia
- Manufacturer: Sukhoi
- Maiden Flight: 2010
- Entered Service: Limited induction in 2020
- Users: Russian Aerospace Forces
HAL AMCA
- Country: India
- Developer: HAL, DRDO, ADA
- Maiden Flight (Planned): ~2026
- Induction (Expected): ~2030
- Status: Under development (design frozen, prototype phase expected in 2025)
Design and Stealth Features
F-35:
- Shaped for low radar cross-section (RCS)
- Internal weapons bay
- Radar-absorbent materials
- Smooth fuselage blending
Su-57:
- Stealthy front aspect; less stealthy from sides/rear
- Use of radar-absorbing materials
- Internal and external hardpoints
- Lateral engine intakes and side reflectivity reduce stealth
AMCA:
- Designed with full stealth features
- Angular fuselage, serpentine intakes
- Internal weapons bay
- Radar-absorbing coating under development
👉 Verdict: F-35 leads in mature stealth implementation. AMCA aims to match it. Su-57 prioritizes maneuverability over complete stealth.
Avionics and Cockpit Technology
F-35:
- Panoramic cockpit display
- Voice command, touchscreen interface
- Helmet-Mounted Display System (HMDS) with 360° situational awareness
- Sensor fusion across platforms
Su-57:
- Glass cockpit with multiple multifunctional displays
- Advanced HUD
- Helmet targeting system
- Less sensor fusion compared to F-35
AMCA:
- Projected: Touchscreen multifunctional displays, AI-assisted interface
- Next-gen HMDS and DRDO-developed software
- Modular, indigenous avionics architecture
👉 Verdict: F-35 offers unmatched sensor fusion. AMCA aims to include AI-based avionics. Su-57 remains powerful but less integrated.
Engine and Performance
| Feature | F-35A | Su-57 | AMCA (expected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Pratt & Whitney F135 | Saturn AL-41F1 (Izdeliye 117), Izdeliye 30 (future) | GE F414 or Izdeliye 30 (later) |
| Thrust (w/ AB) | ~43,000 lbf | ~33,000 lbf x 2 | ~52,000–60,000 lbf (twin) |
| Max Speed | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.0+ | Mach 2.0 (expected) |
| Range | ~2,200 km | ~3,500 km | ~2,800 km (expected) |
| Supercruise | Limited | Yes | Planned |
👉 Verdict: Su-57 leads in raw performance and range; AMCA aims to match with twin-engine power. F-35 trades speed for advanced electronics.
Weapons and Payload
F-35:
- Internal & external load: ~8,160 kg
- Missiles: AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X, JDAM, SDBs
- Supports nuclear weapons (B61)
- Stealth mode: only internal weapons
Su-57:
- Load: ~10,000 kg
- Missiles: K-77M, R-74, Kh-58UShK
- Capable of carrying hypersonic missiles
- Both internal and external carriage
AMCA:
- Expected load: ~7,500 kg
- Indigenous Astra BVR, Rudram, BrahMos-NG (future)
- Internal + external weapon bays
- Smart and precision-guided munitions
👉 Verdict: Su-57 leads in payload and versatility. F-35’s weapons are precision-focused. AMCA will emphasize indigenous missile integration.
Radar and Sensor Suite
F-35:
- AN/APG-81 AESA radar
- Distributed Aperture System (DAS)
- Electro-optical targeting and threat tracking
Su-57:
- N036 Byelka AESA radar with multiple antennas
- IRST system (OFLTs)
- Lesser fusion compared to F-35
AMCA:
- Indigenous GaN-based AESA radar (Uttam derivative)
- Infrared Search and Track (IRST)
- AI-assisted sensor fusion in development
👉 Verdict: F-35 has the most advanced fusion system. AMCA is aiming for high-end capability. Su-57’s suite is powerful but more conventional.
Network-Centric Warfare Capability
- F-35: Fully integrated with NATO networks, real-time data sharing, loyal wingman support
- Su-57: Data sharing is more limited; future upgrades aim for drone coordination
- AMCA: Designed for network-centric warfare with India’s C4I systems and drone teaming (CATS Warrior)
👉 Verdict: F-35 excels in interoperability. AMCA is aiming for drone integration. Su-57 is evolving in this domain.
Operational Status
- F-35: Over 900+ aircraft delivered; combat-tested in Syria, Iraq
- Su-57: Limited production; ~22 aircraft in 2024; combat-tested in Syria
- AMCA: No operational units yet; prototype expected by 2026
👉 Verdict: F-35 is globally deployed. Su-57 is in early deployment. AMCA is still in development.
Cost and Export Market
| Aircraft | Unit Cost (Est.) | Export Status |
|---|---|---|
| F-35 | ~$80 million | Widely exported |
| Su-57 | ~$45–60 million | Limited interest (Algeria, UAE) |
| AMCA | ~$65–75 million | Export potential post-2035 |
👉 Verdict: F-35 dominates exports. AMCA could serve nations seeking a non-Western 5th-gen option. Su-57 faces trust and cost issues.
Strategic Importance and Indigenous Value
- F-35: Strategic tool for U.S. alliances and defense sales
- Su-57: Russia’s flagship fighter with indigenous tech
- AMCA: Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat, designed for Indian Air Force needs
👉 Verdict: AMCA holds the highest indigenous value for India. F-35 is a geopolitical weapon. Su-57 showcases Russian tech but lacks mass adoption.
Final Comparison Table
| Feature | F-35 Lightning II | Su-57 Felon | HAL AMCA (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stealth | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Advanced (planned) |
| Avionics | ✅ Superior | ⚠️ Good | ✅ High (planned) |
| Maneuverability | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent (planned) |
| Speed | ⚠️ Mach 1.6 | ✅ Mach 2.0+ | ✅ Mach 2.0 (planned) |
| Radar | ✅ AESA + DAS | ✅ AESA + IRST | ✅ AESA + IRST |
| Supercruise | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (planned) |
| Network Capability | ✅ Advanced | ⚠️ Developing | ✅ Planned |
| Operational | ✅ In service | ⚠️ Limited fleet | 🚧 In development |
| Export Reach | ✅ Global | ⚠️ Limited | 🟡 Future potential |
FAQs
Q1. Is AMCA better than Su-57 and F-35?
AMCA is not yet operational, but it aims to combine stealth, AI, and indigenous systems. It could rival existing jets by 2035 if development stays on track.
Q2. Is Su-57 truly fifth-generation?
It’s officially classified as fifth-generation, but some analysts argue it lacks the stealth profile and sensor fusion of the F-35.
Q3. Why is the F-35 considered the most advanced?
Its unmatched sensor fusion, networking, and stealth capabilities make it the most advanced and widely used 5th-gen fighter.
Q4. When will the AMCA fly?
The first AMCA prototype is expected to fly by 2026, with serial production starting around 2030.
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- F-16 vs Tejas LCA: Detailed Comparison of Two Modern Fighter Jets
Conclusion
Each aircraft represents a distinct military philosophy:
- The F-35 is a digital, stealth-dominant multirole fighter with unmatched tech but a high cost.
- The Su-57 blends traditional Russian maneuverability with emerging stealth and electronics.
- The AMCA aspires to blend stealth, agility, AI, and cost-efficiency to serve India’s future air superiority needs.
As fifth and sixth-generation warfare evolves, these aircraft will play crucial roles in shaping air combat doctrines globally.
