Su-57 Felon: How Powerful is Russia’s Stealth Fighter Really?

Credit: Wikipedia

In the world of next-gen air combat, Russia’s Su-57 “Felon” is often hailed as the crown jewel of its aerospace might. 

Marketed as Moscow’s answer to the American F-22 Raptor and China’s J-20, the Su-57 carries high expectations. But how powerful is it really, and does it live up to the hype?

Born to Compete with the Best

Developed by Sukhoi, the Su-57 is Russia’s first true fifth-generation fighter jet. It boasts stealth capabilities, supermaneuverability, and multirole combat abilities, meant to engage both air and ground targets with deadly efficiency. 

The aircraft made its maiden flight in 2010, and after a long and complex development process, the first production model officially joined the Russian Air Force in late 2020.

What makes the Su-57 unique is its blend of stealth design and extreme agility, a hallmark of Russian engineering. 

Unlike the American approach, which prioritizes invisibility on radar, the Su-57 aims for a balance—stealthy enough to avoid detection, but fast and nimble in a dogfight.

Key Features That Pack a Punch

• Stealth with a Twist: The Su-57 has a lower radar cross-section than earlier Russian jets, thanks to its angular design and radar-absorbing materials. However, it isn’t as stealthy as the F-22 or F-35. Experts believe it’s more of a “low observable” aircraft rather than a true stealth jet.

• Supercruise & Speed: With its powerful engines (currently the AL-41F1 and soon the next-generation Izdeliye 30), the Su-57 can fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners, a critical capability in modern air combat.

• Maneuverability: Russian jets are famous for their aerial gymnastics, and the Su-57 continues this legacy. Its thrust-vectoring nozzles and advanced aerodynamics make it highly agile, perfect for close-quarters dogfights.

• Weapons & Avionics: Armed with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including hypersonic options, the Su-57 carries its weapons internally to preserve stealth. It also features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and infrared search and track (IRST) system, giving it a deadly sensor suite.

Credit:Wikimedia.org

Is It Battle-Tested?

Russia has deployed a few Su-57s in Syria, mainly to test systems in real-world combat environments. However, their use has been limited and largely symbolic. 

As of 2025, only a small number of fully operational Su-57s exist—far fewer than Russia originally planned. Sanctions and industrial challenges have slowed mass production.

Global Standing: How Does It Compare?

When stacked against the F-22 Raptor, the Su-57 lags slightly in stealth and sensor integration but may surpass in raw maneuverability. 

Compared to China’s J-20, it likely holds an edge in dogfighting but not in networked warfare or stealth.

It’s not just about one-on-one battles anymore; modern air combat includes data sharing, drone coordination, and cyber warfare—all areas where the West currently has an edge.

Final Verdict

The Su-57 is a powerful, ambitious, and undeniably impressive aircraft. It blends traditional Russian air combat strengths with modern stealth and sensors. 

But with limited numbers, unproven combat experience, and ongoing production hurdles, it’s not yet a game-changer.

Still, as production ramps up and technology matures, the Su-57 could very well become a cornerstone of Russia’s air power—and a serious challenger in the global stealth race.