The Sukhoi 57 Russian stealth fighter is the first to be designed to evade detection from F-22 Raptors. The aircraft features an advanced radar system and electronic countermeasure suite. It also includes an ultraviolet missile approach warning system and infrared searching system. These systems enable the Su-57's radar surveillance to last for longer periods of time.
Russia has ordered 76 Su-57 fighters. They should be operational by 2028. They will be used in conjunction with the S-70 Okhotnik strike drone, which will act as a "loyal wingman". According to a report by Tass, the first flight of the modernized Su-57 was scheduled to take place in the middle of 2022. This will be followed by trials of a "electric" variant which is expected to take two years.
It is a fifth generation fighter and was originally built to counter the F-22. The aircraft also features a powerful radar and an infrared search and warning system. A 30mm autocannon is also included in the Su-57.
The majority of the aircraft's structure is made from titanium alloys. It is said to be very maneuverable. It can climb at speeds between 330 to 361 meters per hour, and has a rate of yaw that is five degrees. This allows it to execute high angle of attack maneuvers without causing any altitude loss. It is capable of traveling up to Mach 2 without the use of afterburners.
The Su-57 has been designed to serve the Russian Air Force's needs, which require 150-200 multi-role Fighters. However, in the unlikely event of the Su-57 becoming unavailable, Air Force will resort to the Su-35 Multi-role Jet, which has been extensively utilized in operations against UNF and others.
A new aircraft engine, the "izdeliye 30", is being developed for the Su-57. According to reports it can deliver thrust of up to 16 tons. AL-41F-1 is also in development. It is being considered to replace the hydraulic systems of the Su-57 with electronic drives. This will lower maintenance costs and increase stealth.
In recent months, Russia has been accused of using the Su-57 in combat against Ukraine. The United States has denied the accusation publicly, but the British Ministry of Defense confirmed that Russia had used the fighter in Ukraine. Despite the lack of official evidence, unconfirmed reports have surfaced since before June 2022, suggesting that the Russian Air Force is still using the Su-57 in combat.
The UK Ministry of Defence examines the situation in Ukraine. It is currently focusing on Su-57. It has published a Defense Intelligence update on the subject. It stated that the aircraft was likely to be in combat from June 2022 and that the Russians might be planning to execute air-to–air missile strikes into Ukraine. While the details of this assessment are unknown, it appears that the aircraft may be a good fit for Russian missions, as its range and sensor capabilities are more than enough to match the capabilities of the Ukrainian opposition fighters.