Russia’s state-owned military-industrial conglomerate Rostec has continued to tout the capabilities of its fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO designation Felon) multirole fighter. The Ministry of Defense highlighted the integration of several new weapons into the stealth aircraft, it said The National Interest.
“In order to fulfill the goals set by the Russian Ministry of Defense for the delivery of highly demanded weapons and military equipment to the troops, the crews of the Russian Aerospace Forces accepted the Su-57 aircraft in their new technical configuration,” the press service of Rostech quoted a Su-57 pilot from the Russian Aerospace Forces, according to the Russian state news agency.
The agency did not specify which specific weapons systems were upgraded, but stressed that they would allow the aircraft to operate more effectively in a wider variety of weather conditions and in areas with electronic jamming attempts.
“The aircraft has already proven itself during the special military operation,” the statement continued, using the Kremlin’s preferred phraseology for its incursion into Ukraine. “The new technical configuration will ensure an expansion of the range of missions for which this type of aircraft is used. The advanced capabilities included in the aircraft’s armament system make it possible to use new types of aviation weapons.”
It has the following armament: GSH-30-1 internal 30 mm cannon and various internal and external missiles and guided bombs, including long-range R-77M and extended-range R-37M air-to-air missiles, short-range R-74M2 missiles, and precision-guided munitions such as Kh-59MK2 cruise missiles and KAB-500 guided bombs.
The latest announcement comes nearly two months after Rostec’s subsidiary, the United Aviation Corporation (UAC), confirmed that it had test-fired the Su-57 with a new Izdlie 177 engine, a powerplant developed by the United Engine Building Corporation (UDC) specifically for the Su-57.
In December 2025, a Rostech official stated that each Izdlie 177 engine could provide up to 16,000 kg of thrust (roughly 35,000 pounds) with afterburner on. The new engine has further reduced fuel consumption and is claimed to be much more durable than the previous powerplant.
The fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter was developed to combine the functions of an attack aircraft with that of a fighter jet and engage and destroy a variety of ground, air and sea targets. Rostec claims it is “capable of striking air, ground and sea targets”.
Constructed of composite materials and featuring an aerodynamic configuration with a pair of internal weapons bays that reduce radar and infrared signatures, the Su-57 is also capable of supersonic cruising speed.
“The Su-57 system of the fifth generation is the best aircraft in its class, but we are not resting on our laurels. The fighter has undergone a huge evolution and its improvement continues even today – the weapons and system capabilities of the aircraft are updated. This fighter allows us to solve the most important tasks today, demonstrating efficiency and excellent maneuverability and combat capabilities,” Vadim Badekha, general director of the United Aircraft Corporation, told TASS.
However, the continued updates do not hide the fact that fewer than three dozen Su-57s are believed to have been produced – although the Kremlin previously announced that it would have 76 operational Su-57 Felon fighters in its inventory by 2027-2028. As of 2026, the Russian Aerospace Forces appear to have approximately 32 of the aircraft, including prototypes. By comparison, the United States Air Force has a fleet of approximately 183 Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors, and over 1,300 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs have been delivered to the US military, allies and foreign partners, with orders that will see production continue into the mid-2030s and beyond.
Rostec and Rosoboronexport, Russia’s sole state arms exporter, continued to seek foreign buyers for the Su-57, with limited success. Algeria is the only confirmed buyer, and Washington has warned that the acquisition could lead to sanctions. It would not be a surprise if Algeria exits the Felon as a result.
Serial production of the Su-57 began in 2022, but deliveries have repeatedly failed due to supply chain problems and funding constraints. The plane is Russia’s most advanced fighter, but also its most expensive, at $50 million to $100 million apiece, roughly comparable to Western jets. But hundreds of comparable Western-made aircraft are already in service around the world, meaning that countries that intend to buy a cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter and can do so from the West have little reason to take a chance on an untested Russian one.
For the author: Peter Suchiu
Peter Suchiu has published over 3,200 articles in more than four dozen magazines and websites during his 30-year career in journalism. He writes regularly on military technology, firearms history, cyber security, politics and international affairs. Peter is also a contributor to Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He lives in Michigan.
date:2026-02-12 10:43:00
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