Of course, the function is more important, but this jet is more than a fighter jet, it's a propaganda tool and it builds the reputation of the country and its people. Whether you like it or not, it should look like it performs, the exterior does matter. Why do so many people try to tear up the F-35 or F-22? Because it's a glaring example of American power.
Look at the SU-57, they brought it to China, and everyone laughed at them.
SU-57 is a low stealth, low-quality mess, showing how backward Russian workmanship/engineering is and therefore Russia is.
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