Russian Air Force strengthens fleet with new fighter delivery
On Monday, November 11, 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 published by the Russian company Rostec, the aircraft have undergone numerous tests and have already been directed to their home airfields.
11:19 AM EST, November 12, 2024
"These jets underwent thorough inspection by technical staff and completed factory test cycles under diverse operational conditions by Ministry of Defense pilots," stated Rostec's press office. The number of aircraft delivered was not disclosed, but it was emphasized that the planes have already been deployed to their home airfields.
russians with a new delivery of fighters
"Su-57 is the only fifth-generation fighter jet that has confirmed its breakthrough characteristics in all combat engagement options. The fighter jet is distinguished by a high survivability due a low signature and modern onboard defense complex. The aircraft will continue to be upgraded according to combat engagement experience," said Rostec's CEO Sergey Chemezov.
Many indications suggest that this will not be 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 Su-57 and Su-35S fighters. He added that the aircraft are in 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 1,520 mph. This state-of-the-art fighter is characterized by good maneuverability, thanks to two Saturn AL-41F turbofan engines. The Su-57 is equipped with advanced weaponry, including a 30 mm 9A-4071K cannon, and can carry missiles on twelve different hardpoints. Although it is marketed as a stealth aircraft, concerns about its radar detectability arise due to the external mounting of armaments.
The Su-35S is a fourth-generation multirole fighter who has effectively served in the Russian Air Force since 2014. With its two thrust-vectoring engines, this aircraft reaches a maximum speed of about 1,490 mph while remaining extremely maneuverable. The Su-35S measures 71 feet long and has a wingspan of 50 feet. Its armament includes an anti-aircraft GSh-30 30 mm cannon and 12 points for mounting additional armaments, such as air-to-air missiles and bombs. Despite its impressive capabilities, incidents like a close maneuver near an American F-16 over Alaska highlight challenges related to the crew's responsible and professional use of these machines.
