United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered new Su-35 and Su-57 aircraft to the Russian Aerospace Forces. The fifth-generation Su-57 Felon fighters have been accepted by technical staff, undergone a complete factory testing cycle, and were evaluated in various operational modes by Russian Ministry of Defense pilots.
“The aircraft delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces boast excellent flight performance, highly valued by our pilots. Su-57 fighters from the upcoming production batches are at various stages of readiness, while the Su-35S aircraft are also at a high level of preparedness,” said Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec.
This is the first known batch of Su-57s delivered in 2024. The exact number of aircraft in this batch remains unclear, although accompanying video footage in UAC’s press release suggests that 2 or 3 aircraft were delivered. Regarding the Su-35S, this is the third batch delivered, following the first and second production batches of 2024, which were delivered in April and May, respectively.
Today, UAC’s Russian fighter jet production facilities are undergoing modernization. As part of the implementation of advanced technical re-equipment projects, construction and installation of new facilities have been completed at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAZ). To expand the mass production of Su-57 aircraft, a new building is being constructed, where a comprehensive range of system tests for the Russian fifth-generation fighter will take place.
“The number of fifth-generation fighters entering service with the Russian Aerospace Forces increases every year. Today, the advanced Su-57 fifth-generation aircraft is the most modern frontline aircraft in Russia,” said UAC President Yuri Slyusar. With the expansion of KnAAZ’s production capabilities, Russia is prepared to scale up Su-57 fighter production.
The Su-57 Felon, Russia’s premier fifth-generation fighter, is designed to compete with the most advanced aircraft in the world. Its development has been a cornerstone of Russia’s efforts to maintain its edge in military aviation. The aircraft features advanced stealth technology, supermaneuverability, and a comprehensive suite of onboard systems designed for air superiority and precision strikes.
Despite being promoted as a fifth-generation fighter intended to rival its U.S. counterparts, the multirole, twin-engine Su-57, Russia’s first and only operational stealth fighter, has faced development delays. According to its manufacturer, UAC/Sukhoi, serial production of the aircraft began in 2022 with an initial order of 76 units to be delivered by 2027. The Su-57 is a heavyweight combat aircraft capable of performing a wide variety of battlefield roles, though it is still in service in limited numbers.