TAI TF Kaan vs. Sukhoi Su-57: A Comparative Analysis and the Case for Kaan as Indonesia’s Fifth-Generation Fighter
Why the TAI TF Kaan is a Smarter Choice for Indonesia Over the Su-57
The TAI TF Kaan and the Sukhoi Su-57 are both fifth-generation fighter aircraft developed by Turkey and Russia, respectively. While both aircraft are designed to provide superior air combat capabilities, a deeper analysis reveals that the Kaan presents a more suitable option for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) due to its stealth-optimized design, advanced avionics, superior operational reliability, and potential for indigenous adaptation and technology transfer. In contrast, the Su-57 suffers from significant design compromises, technological limitations, and production issues, making it a less viable choice for nations seeking a truly modern and self-reliant fifth-generation fighter program.
One of the key attributes of a fifth-generation fighter is stealth, and this is where the TAI TF Kaan demonstrates clear superiority. Designed with an emphasis on low radar cross-section (RCS), the Kaan’s airframe incorporates smooth surface alignments, internal weapon bays, and radar-absorbent materials (RAM), all of which contribute to minimizing detectability in contested airspaces. This stealth-first approach aligns with modern Western fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, ensuring that the Kaan remains survivable even in heavily defended environments.
By contrast, the Sukhoi Su-57 has been widely criticized for its incomplete stealth characteristics. Despite being marketed as a fifth-generation aircraft, several of its design elements increase its radar signature, undermining its low observability. The most notable of these flaws include exposed engine compressor faces, visible fasteners, and panel misalignments, all of which contribute to higher radar detectability. These deficiencies were publicly highlighted at Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, where defense analysts pointed out that the Su-57 lacks the radar-evading capabilities expected of a true fifth-generation fighter. For Indonesia, which requires a stealth-optimized aircraft to effectively counter regional threats and maintain air superiority, the Kaan’s superior stealth characteristics make it the more viable choice.
Beyond stealth, avionics and sensor technology play a crucial role in determining a fifth-generation fighter’s effectiveness. The Kaan integrates some of the most advanced avionics available today, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, electro-optical and infrared tracking systems, next-generation data fusion and networking capabilities, and AI-driven mission processing to enhance pilot decision-making. These advanced systems ensure that the Kaan can operate effectively in networked warfare environments, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with allied air and ground forces. This technological edge aligns with TNI-AU’s ongoing modernization goals, ensuring that the Indonesian Air Force remains competitive in an increasingly complex regional security environment.
In contrast, the Su-57 has struggled with avionics development from the start. Early prototypes lacked a contemporary AESA radar, a fundamental requirement for fifth-generation fighters. Additionally, the aircraft’s cockpit interface and mission systems have been widely regarded as outdated, which has caused concern among potential buyers. These technological shortcomings played a significant role in India withdrawing from the joint FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) program, as Indian defense officials cited Russia’s inability to meet modern avionics standards. For Indonesia, which is looking to enhance its airborne situational awareness and integrated defense capabilities, the Su-57’s outdated avionics represent a major drawback. In contrast, the Kaan’s advanced avionics provide a future-proof platform that ensures long-term operational effectiveness.
Another critical consideration in selecting a fifth-generation fighter is operational reliability and production viability. The Kaan is being developed with strong international partnerships, ensuring that production bottlenecks are minimized and that it will be equipped with cutting-edge Western technology. Turkey has a proven track record of successfully indigenizing defense technologies, making it likely that Indonesia could participate in technology transfer programs and even co-produce components in the future. This strategic collaboration would not only enhance Indonesia’s aerospace industry but also reduce long-term dependency on foreign suppliers.
On the other hand, the Su-57’s development history has been plagued by delays, technical issues, and structural failures. Although the aircraft first flew in 2010, it took more than a decade for it to enter limited service with the Russian Air Force, with production delays continuing to hinder its full-scale deployment. One of the most concerning incidents occurred in 2019, when the first production Su-57 crashed before delivery, raising concerns about quality control and reliability. As of 2025, Russia still operates only a handful of Su-57 units, and international demand for the aircraft remains weak due to concerns over its performance and long-term supportability.
Further adding to its reliability concerns, the Su-57 has suffered combat losses, with several units reportedly damaged or destroyed by Ukrainian strikes on Russian air bases. These losses raise serious questions about its battlefield survivability and whether it can effectively withstand the demands of high-intensity combat scenarios. For Indonesia, which requires a dependable and mass-producible fifth-generation fighter, the Su-57’s slow production rate and ongoing operational risks make it an unreliable choice.
Beyond performance and reliability, strategic factors also play a key role in selecting the right fighter for Indonesia. The Kaan offers several long-term advantages over the Su-57, particularly in terms of technology transfer, interoperability, and future-proofing. Turkey has expressed a strong willingness to collaborate with international partners, which could allow Indonesia to participate in technology-sharing agreements. This collaboration would provide Indonesia with the ability to locally assemble and maintain the aircraft, significantly enhancing its domestic aerospace capabilities.
Additionally, the Kaan is designed to integrate seamlessly with NATO-standard systems, making it compatible with Indonesia’s existing Western and non-Russian defense assets. This interoperability is crucial for modern warfare, as it allows Indonesia to coordinate air defense and intelligence-sharing efforts with allied nations. The Su-57, on the other hand, is built around Russian-specific systems, which limits its compatibility with existing Western defense infrastructure and could create logistical and operational challenges for Indonesia.
From an investment standpoint, the Kaan is also a safer long-term choice. Given current geopolitical uncertainties, relying on Russian fighter jets could expose Indonesia to sanctions risks, spare part shortages, and supply chain disruptions. Turkey’s defense industry, on the other hand, is growing rapidly and enjoys strong support from Western partners, making it a more stable and sustainable choice for Indonesia.
The Kaan’s modular design also ensures long-term adaptability, allowing TNI-AU to integrate future weapons, avionics, and electronic warfare systems without relying on a single supplier. This flexibility makes it a future-proof investment that can evolve alongside Indonesia’s defense needs.
In conclusion, while both the TAI TF Kaan and Sukhoi Su-57 are classified as fifth-generation fighters, the Kaan is clearly the superior choice for Indonesia. Its stealth-focused design, modern avionics, high production reliability, and potential for technology transfer make it a far more viable long-term investment for TNI-AU’s defense modernization efforts. The Su-57’s stealth deficiencies, outdated avionics, and troubled production history raise significant concerns about its reliability and effectiveness in real-world combat.
For Indonesia, which seeks to enhance its self-reliance and secure a truly advanced fifth-generation fighter, the TAI TF Kaan represents the smarter and more sustainable path forward.