Russia's quest for Su‑57 fighter dominance hits hurdles
Rostec President Sergey Chemezov announced that the Russian corporation United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) plans to increase the production of Su-57 fighters for the Russian armed forces and export. According to him, the Su-57, which the Russians presented as a fifth-generation aircraft, is undergoing modernization and is now "significantly different" from its original version.
United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of the state conglomerate Rostec, announced plans to increase the production and delivery of fifth-generation Su-57 fighters for the Russian armed forces on Wednesday. Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov communicated this information.
Russians to increase Su-57 production
Chemezov emphasized that the Su-57 is undergoing modernization and is currently "significantly different" from its original version, which first took to the skies 15 years ago. Despite Chemezov's optimism, the Bulgarian military service notes that it is unclear whether Russia will actually manage to increase Su-57 production. So far, only a small number of these aircraft have been produced, and sanctions imposed on the Russian aviation industry raise doubts about the availability of key components.
Russia is actively promoting the Su-57 for export, yet sales are limited. Algeria, which has been interested in the aircraft for years, is a potential client, but no contracts have been finalized. Meanwhile, the Su-57's main competitors, such as the American F-35 and the Chinese J-20, are being produced on a much larger scale.
The Sukhoi Su-57 is a fifth-generation Russian fighter developed by the Sukhoi design bureau. It's described as a multi-role aircraft capable of engaging in combat at long and short distances and carrying out strike missions on ground targets. The Su-57 prototype, originally known as the PAK FA (T-50), first took to the skies on January 29, 2010.
Although Russian propaganda repeatedly promised mass production and rapid deployment, the aircraft's development has encountered numerous problems, from issues related to stealth technology to unsatisfactory engine performance. The first serial units entered the Russian Air Force only in December 2020, and their numbers remain limited.
The Su-57 is approximately 20 metres long and has a wingspan of 14 metres. It is powered by two AL-41F1 turbofan engines, which will be replaced by a new unit known as "Product 30". Currently used engines allow a maximum speed of around 2,575 km/h (approximately 2,575 km/h) and supersonic cruise speed without afterburner—a key feature for fifth-generation fighters. The combat range of the Su-57 is about 1,500 km, and its total range without air refuelling is about 3,500 km.
The aircraft's design has been developed with reduced radar detectability in mind, although experts point out that the effectiveness of Russian stealth remains in question. It has advanced avionics, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and electronic warfare systems. It can carry a wide range of armaments, including medium—and long-range air-to-air missiles, cruise missiles, and guided bombs.
