The Russian Su 57 Fighter Jet, NATO codename “su 57 Felon”, is Russia’s answer to fifth-generation multirole stealth fighters. Designed to challenge the dominance of Western jets like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the Su-57 combines stealth, agility, and strike capabilities in a single platform.
Design and Development
The Su-57 was developed under Russia’s PAK FA (Prospective Aviation Complex of Frontline Aviation) program, initiated in the early 2000s. The jet was designed by Sukhoi Design Bureau and had its maiden flight in 2010. Its development aimed to combine air superiority with multirole strike capacity, replacing the aging Su-27 and MiG-29 fleets. Despite delays, limited production began in 2019, with full-scale induction planned for the late 2020s.
Design and Development Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Sukhoi Design Bureau |
| Program Name | PAK FA |
| First Flight | January 29, 2010 |
| Intended Role | Air superiority & multirole |
| Production Start | 2019 (limited serial production) |
| Service Entry | 2020 (limited) |
Stealth and Aerodynamics
The Su-57 incorporates stealth shaping, radar-absorbing materials, and internal weapon bays to reduce its radar cross-section. Unlike Western stealth jets, it maintains high maneuverability, thanks to its aerodynamic design and thrust-vectoring engines.
Stealth and Aerodynamics Table
| Feature | Su-57 Specification |
|---|---|
| Stealth Level | Moderate (frontal stealth focus) |
| Radar Cross-Section | ~0.1–1 m² (estimated) |
| Airframe Material | 25% composites |
| Weapon Bay Configuration | Internal + external hardpoints |
| Maneuverability | Exceptional (3D thrust vectoring) |
Engines and Performance
The Su-57 is currently powered by AL-41F1 engines, with plans to transition to the more advanced Izdeliye 30 engine. The fighter can supercruise, enabling sustained supersonic flight without afterburners. It has a su 57 top speed of Mach 2.0 and a combat radius of ~1,500 km.
Engines and Performance Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | AL-41F1 (Izdeliye 117) |
| Future Engine | Izdeliye 30 |
| Supercruise Speed | Mach 1.6 |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2.0 (~2,470 km/h) |
| Range | 3,500–4,000 km (with drop tanks) |
| Combat Radius | ~1,500 km |
Avionics and Systems
The Su-57 features the N036 Byelka AESA radar, infrared search and track (IRST), and 360-degree sensor coverage. Its avionics suite is designed to support sensor fusion, electronic warfare, and automated target tracking, though not as integrated as the F-35’s.
Avionics and Systems Table
| System Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Radar | N036 AESA Radar (Byelka) |
| Sensor Fusion | Present (less integrated than F-35) |
| EW Suite | L402 Himalayas EW system |
| IRST | OLS-50M |
| Cockpit Interface | Glass cockpit, HUD, and HMS |
Armament
The Su-57 can carry a wide range of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and precision-guided munitions, both internally and on external hardpoints. It’s also designed to accommodate hypersonic missiles and new-generation cruise weapons.
Armament Table
| Weapon Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Internal Missiles | R-77, R-74M |
| Air-to-Ground | Kh-38M, KAB-250 guided bombs |
| Hypersonic Weapons | In development (e.g., Kh-47M2 Kinzhal variant) |
| Gun | 30mm GSh-30-1 autocannon |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 10,000 kg |
Operational History and Deployment
Although not widely deployed, the Su-57 has been tested in combat conditions in Syria, showcasing weapons and radar performance. Russia aims to induct 76 Su-57s by 2028, although current numbers remain modest.
Operational History Table
| Year | Operational Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2010 | First flight |
| 2018 | Tested in Syria |
| 2020 | First serial unit delivered |
| 2023–2025 | Increased deliveries (~30–35 aircraft total) |
| 2028 (Goal) | 76 aircraft in service |
Comparison to Other 5th Gen Fighters
While the Su-57 boasts maneuverability and multirole capability, it lags behind in stealth and battlefield networking when compared to Western jets.
Comparison Table: Su-57 vs 5th Gen Fighters
| Feature | Su-57 | F-35 | F-22 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stealth | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
| Maneuverability | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Avionics | Advanced | Superior | Superior |
| Speed | Mach 2.0 | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.25 |
| Combat Radius | ~1,500 km | ~1,200 km | ~1,300 km |
Export Potential and International Interest
Russia has marketed the Su-57 to several countries, including India, Vietnam, and Algeria. India was once a joint-development partner in the FGFA project, a Su-57 variant, but withdrew. Interest remains from nations seeking lower-cost alternatives to Western stealth jets.
Export and Interest Table
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| India | Exited FGFA project |
| Algeria | Allegedly ordered ~14 units |
| Vietnam | Interested (no confirmed deal) |
| UAE | Discussed cooperation (no formal deal) |
Criticism and Challenges
The Su-57 has been criticized for delays, limited stealth, and underdeveloped avionics. Additionally, Western sanctions have affected the supply of advanced materials and electronics.
Criticism Table
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Production Delays | Repeated postponements |
| Stealth Performance | Less than F-22/F-35 |
| Electronics & Networking | Inferior to Western standards |
| Cost Concerns | High R&D and unit cost |
| Sanctions | Impacted component supply chains |
Future Upgrades and Variants
The Su-57M variant, featuring the Izdeliye 30 engine and enhanced stealth, is expected in the coming years. Future versions may incorporate AI systems, drone control, and next-gen weapons.
Future Plans Table
| Upgrade/Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Su-57M | Enhanced engine, avionics, stealth |
| Izdeliye 30 Engine | Improved thrust and fuel efficiency |
| Loyal Wingman | Integration with S-70 Okhotnik-B UAV |
| AI Integration | Autonomous capabilities (planned) |
Su-57 at Aero India
The Su-57 was showcased at aero india su 57, signaling Russia’s interest in rekindling defense ties with India and attracting new buyers. The display emphasized its agility, strike range, and evolving capabilities.
Su 57 vs F 35
While the F-35 offers superior stealth, network-centric warfare, and mission versatility, the Su-57 excels in speed, maneuverability, and payload flexibility.
Comparison Table: Su-57 vs F-35
| Feature | Su-57 Felon | F-35 Lightning II |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth | Moderate | Excellent |
| Speed | Mach 2.0 | Mach 1.6 |
| Maneuverability | Superior | Moderate |
| Combat Radius | ~1,500 km | ~1,200 km |
| Avionics | Advanced | Superior |
Su-57 Felon
The Su-57’s NATO codename “Felon” is used for identification in Western defense circles. The name reflects its potential threat level and mirrors naming conventions (e.g., “Flanker” for Su-27). The Russian military does not officially use this codename.
How Many su 57 does Russia have?
As of 2025, Russia has an estimated 30–35 Su-57s in service. Deliveries are expected to rise sharply by 2028.
Fleet Size Table
| Year | Su-57 Units in Service |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | ~22 |
| 2025 | ~30–35 |
| 2028 (goal) | 76 |
Su-57 Top Speed
The Su-57 has a maximum speed of Mach 2.0, placing it among the fastest fifth-gen jets in service.
Top Speed Table
| Aircraft | Max Speed (Mach) |
|---|---|
| Su-57 Felon | Mach 2.0 (~2,470 km/h) |
| F-35 Lightning II | Mach 1.6 (~1,975 km/h) |
| F-22 Raptor | Mach 2.25 (~2,410 km/h) |
Su 57 vs F22 Raptor
The F-22 is stealthier and more mature, but the Su-57 provides better export potential, multirole capability, and cost-effectiveness.
Comparison Table: Su-57 vs F-22
| Feature | Su-57 Felon | F-22 Raptor |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth | Moderate | Superior |
| Speed | Mach 2.0 | Mach 2.25 |
| Maneuverability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Networking | Moderate | Advanced |
| Production Cost | Lower | High (no export) |
Conclusion
The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon stands as a bold statement of Russian aerospace ambitions. Though it faces several technological, production, and geopolitical hurdles, it brings unique strengths in maneuverability, speed, and weapons versatility to the fifth-generation fighter scene. Its mixed use of stealth and traditional dogfighting agility gives it a distinctive position when compared to Western counterparts.
Russia’s goal of producing 76 Su-57s by 2028 reflects a serious commitment to integrating this jet into front-line service. Meanwhile, its continued refinement through the Su-57M variant, its possible integration with UAVs, and its potential appeal in non-Western defense markets keep it highly relevant in global military aviation.
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does India have Su 57?
A: No, India does not operate the Su-57. Although India was once a co-development partner through the FGFA project, it withdrew due to concerns over cost, stealth effectiveness, and technology sharing.
Q2: Why is it called “Felon”?
A: “Felon” is the NATO codename assigned to the Su-57 for identification and standardization. It does not reflect Russian naming; NATO often uses code names starting with “F” for fighter aircraft.
Q3: What makes the Su-57 a fifth-generation fighter?
A: Features like stealth shaping, supercruise ability, advanced avionics, internal weapon bays, and sensor fusion qualify it as a fifth-generation aircraft.
Q4: How many Su-57s does Russia currently operate?
A: As of 2025, Russia operates around 30 to 35 Su-57s, with plans to increase that number to 76 by 2028.
Q5: Does the Su-57 have stealth capability?
A: Yes, but it is considered less stealthy than the F-35 and F-22. Its design focuses more on frontal stealth rather than complete radar invisibility.
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