"Russia: Su-57 Superior to F-35 in One-on-One Dogfights"

Russian Pilot "Overwhelms F-35 in Dogfight"
Russia Plans to Acquire 76 Su-57s by 2028

[Image source=Russian Ministry of Defense website]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] A famous Russian pilot has attracted international attention by claiming that Russia's domestically produced Su-57 stealth fighter would win in a one-on-one aerial battle against the U.S. stealth fighter F-35.

According to the Russian state news agency TASS on the 20th (local time), Magomet Tolboyev (70), known as Russia's top test pilot, stated in an interview that "in a one-on-one aerial combat, the Su-57 would easily destroy the F-35," and praised the Su-57 as an "excellent aircraft." He emphasized that "the maneuverability of the Su-57 is superior to that of the F-35."

However, Tolboyev added, "Nowadays, it is not an era of one-on-one aerial combat like in the past," and said, "Modern warfare requires a complex approach to tactical challenges through electronic warfare." Russia has consistently promoted the Su-57 as much cheaper compared to the U.S.'s main stealth fighters, the F-22 and F-35. Although it has been showcased several times in actual combat during the Syrian civil war, its evaluation has somewhat declined due to repeated malfunctions and accidents. The Russian Ministry of Defense is reportedly planning to have a total of 76 Su-57 fighters by 2028.

This interview was conducted as Tolboyev officially retired. At 70 years old this year, he piloted more than 50 types of aircraft during his service, including the MiG-29. In the mid-1980s, during the Soviet era, he also participated in the space program and received the highest national honor, the title of "Hero of Russia."