Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet surpasses the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II in maneuverability, Retired Major General Vladimir Popov, a distinguished Russian military pilot said.
"The Su-57 significantly outperforms the F-22 and F-35 in terms of maneuverability. This is a critical factor if it comes to close-range air combat within 30-50 kilometers or less, at cannon-shot distance. The Su-57 wins here. These calculations were made by the Americans themselves," he said in an interview with news.ru.
According to Popov, the Su-57 also surpasses the American aircraft in "cost-effectiveness." However, he noted that there is still work to be done on the Su-57. Specifically, the fighter's engines need improvement. The American aircraft are inferior to the Su-57 in terms of target detection range, Popov added.
In December 2024, images surfaced on social media showing the Su-57 with a new second-stage engine nozzle. The TWZ publication then reported that the flat nozzle would reduce the aircraft's visibility to radar systems.