Russia bolsters Air Force with new fleet of Su‑35S, Su‑57 fighters
On Monday, November 11th, United Aircraft Corporation announced the delivery of a new batch of Su-35S and Su-57 Felon fighters for the Russian Air Force. According to a statement released by the Russian company Rostec, the aircraft have undergone numerous tests and have already been sent to their home bases.
"The aircraft acquired by technical personnel underwent a full cycle of tests at the factory. Ministry of Defense pilots tested them in various operating modes," the Rostec press office reported. The Russians did not disclose the number of aircraft delivered. However, they noted that the aircraft had already been deployed to their home bases.
Russians with a new delivery of fighters
"Today, the Su-57 is the only fifth-generation aircraft that has confirmed its capabilities in all types of combat. The aircraft is characterized by high survivability due to low radar visibility and a modern onboard defence system. Aircraft of this type are constantly being improved, taking into account combat use experience. The production facilities are increasing their capacity for building new aircraft," noted Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostec.
Many indications suggest that this is not the last fighter delivery for the Russian air force in 2024. The CEO of United Aircraft Corporation, Vadim Badekha, stated that soldiers will receive additional batches of the Su-57 and Su-35S fighters. He added, "The planes are at various stages of production and testing."
Su-57, also known as the Sukhoi Su-57, is a Russian fifth-generation fighter capable of reaching speeds over 2,447 km/h. This most advanced Russian fighter is characterized by good manoeuvrability thanks to its two Saturn AL-41F turbofan engines. The Su-57 has advanced weaponry, including a 30 mm 9A-4071K cannon. It can also carry missiles on twelve different hardpoints. Although it is marketed as a stealth technology machine, its radar detectability is questioned due to external weapon mounting.
The Su-35S is a fourth-generation multirole fighter that has effectively served the Russian Air Force since 2014. Thanks to its two thrust-vectoring engines, this aircraft reaches a maximum speed of approximately 2,398 km/h while remaining extremely manoeuvrable. The Su-35S measures 22 metres in length and has a wingspan of 15 metres. Its armament includes an anti-aircraft GS-30 30 mm cannon and 12 hardpoints for mounting additional armament, including air-to-air missiles and bombs. Despite its impressive capabilities, incidents such as a close manoeuvre next to an American F-16 over Alaska highlight challenges related to the responsible and professional operation of these machines by their crews.
