The Indian Air Force may soon bolster its fighter jet fleet with the addition of Russia's Su-57 'Felon', a cutting-edge stealth aircraft.

Amidst concerns over a declining number of warplanes in its inventory, military experts like former IAF pilot Vijainder K Thakur underscore the advantages of integrating the Su-57 into India's defense strategy.

Thakur emphasized that the Su-57's advanced features, such as its night vision and tracking system, countermeasures against infrared missiles, and sensors capable of detecting missile launches, make it a formidable addition to the IAF's arsenal. The aircraft's capabilities are further enhanced by a thermal camera for low-altitude operations, a sophisticated navigation and targeting system, and the ability to deploy flares and radar decoys to evade enemy missiles.

One of the most notable aspects of the Su-57 is its integration of advanced AI and technology, allowing it to team with both manned and unmanned aircraft. Thakur pointed out that the Su-57 could carry electronic equipment in its weapons bay to operate as a drone mothership, controlling highly stealthy drones such as the Okhotnik (S-70).

Despite India's ongoing efforts to develop its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Thakur noted that the AMCA is still 2-3 years away from its maiden flight and approximately 15 years from operational induction. In the interim, the Su-57 could provide the IAF with the stealth capabilities it currently lacks.