Russia's ambitious plan to boost Su‑57 fighter production
The Russian corporation United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) plans to increase the production of Su-57 fighters for the Russian armed forces and for export, announced Rostec's CEO, Sergey Chemezov. According to him, the Su-57, presented by the Russians as a 5th 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 5th generation Su-57 fighters for the Russian armed forces. This information was relayed on Wednesday by Rostec's General Director, Sergey Chemezov.
Russians 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, it is unclear whether Russia can actually increase Su-57 production, notes the Bulgarian Military service. So far, only a small number of these aircraft have been produced, and the sanctions imposed on the Russian aviation industry raise doubts about the availability of key components.
Russia actively promotes the Su-57 for export, but sales are limited. A potential client is Algeria, which has expressed interest in the aircraft for years, but no finalized contracts have been announced. Meanwhile, the main competitors of the Su-57, such as the American F-35 and the Chinese J-20, are produced on a much larger scale.
The Sukhoi Su-57 is a Russian fifth-generation fighter developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. It is described as a multi-role aircraft, capable of engaging in combat both at long and close range, as well as carrying out strike missions against ground targets. The Su-57 prototype, originally known as PAK FA (T-50), first took to the skies on January 29, 2010.
Although Russian propaganda has repeatedly announced mass production and rapid service introduction, the aircraft's development has encountered numerous issues—from stealth technology concerns to unsatisfactory engine performance. The first serial units only reached the Russian air force in December 2020, and their numbers remain limited.
The Su-57 is approximately 66 feet in length and has a wingspan of 46 feet. It is powered by two AL-41F1 turbofan engines, which are planned to be replaced by a new unit known as "Product 30" in the future. The currently used engines allow for a maximum speed of around 1,616 mph and a cruising supersonic speed without afterburner—a key feature for fifth-generation fighters. The Su-57's combat range is about 932 miles, and its total range without aerial refueling is about 2,175 miles.
The fighter's design was developed with reduced radar detectability in mind, although experts point out that the effectiveness of Russian stealth still remains in question. The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics, an active phased array radar (AESA), and electronic warfare systems. It can carry a wide array of weaponry, including medium and long-range air-to-air missiles, cruise missiles, and guided bombs.
