The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has recently delivered a new batch of Su-57 and Su-35S fighter jets to the Russian Aerospace Forces, marking a significant enhancement to Russia’s advanced aerial capabilities. While the exact number of aircraft delivered remains undisclosed, this latest addition underscores a major boost to Russia’s fighter fleet.
The fifth-generation Su-57 fighters, along with the Su-35S, have completed extensive testing phases, including factory evaluations and operational trials conducted by Russian Ministry of Defense pilots. Following successful assessments, these aircraft have been deployed to their designated bases.
Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy Director General of Rostec State Corporation, praised the performance of the newly delivered jets: “The aircraft delivered to the troops exhibit superior flight and technical capabilities, which have been well received by our pilots. Production of additional Su-57 units is ongoing, with Su-35S models also nearing completion.”
As part of its modernization drive, UAC is upgrading its production facilities. Recent upgrades include the completion of construction and installation work at the flight test station and the expansion of Su-57 serial production. A new testing facility for fifth-generation aircraft systems is also under construction.
The Su-57, developed by Sukhoi, is a cutting-edge multirole fighter that made its first flight in January 2010 and entered service on December 25, 2020. Priced at $50 million per unit, the Su-57 is designed for a range of missions, including air strikes, air superiority, and reconnaissance. The aircraft, powered by two AL-41F1 engines with a planned future upgrade to the more powerful Izdeliye 30 engines, has a top speed of 2,600 km/h (Mach 2.45) and a combat radius of 1,800 km. It features advanced avionics, including the Sh121 AESA radar, and can carry a variety of armaments in internal bays and on external pylons.
The Su-35S, an advanced version of the Su-27, has been in service since 2012. It is equipped with two NPO Saturn 117S engines and is known for its exceptional maneuverability and precision strike capabilities. With a wingspan of 15.3 meters and a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h (Mach 2.35), the Su-35S excels in air superiority missions and offers a combat radius of 3,600 km.
UAC CEO Yuri Slyusar highlighted the growing role of these fighters: “The number of fifth-generation fighters in the Russian Aerospace Forces is steadily increasing each year. The Su-57 represents the pinnacle of modern military aviation in Russia.”
The delivery of these advanced aircraft signifies a notable advancement in Russia’s aerial defense capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a state-of-the-art fighter fleet.
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