Advancing on the delivery schedule for new combat aircraft and coinciding with the presence of two units in China, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) confirmed the receipt of the second batch of Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighters this year, 2024. The information, released yesterday, November 11, by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), also indicated that the forces received a new batch of Sukhoi Su-35S fighter-bombers.
As of today, the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation operate a fleet of approximately thirty fifth-generation Su-57 (NATO designation Felon) aircraft, which have been deployed to guard Russian airspace and in combat operations against Ukraine, launching guided weaponry from within Russia’s borders.
According to UAC, images and videos shared on social media show the preparation and readiness of a Su-57 unit for delivery to the Aerospace Forces. As usual, the official statement did not specify the number of units delivered. This latest batch, delivered a few days ago, follows the first of the year, received last September, which reportedly included three stealth aircraft.
Regarding the stealth aircraft, considered the crown jewel of Russia’s aerospace industry, UAC and Rostec have undertaken various parallel efforts to increase the production of fifth-generation fighters and promote the export variant known as the Su-57E.
These efforts were highlighted by the inauguration of new facilities in August at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aviation plant, which include “buildings for fuel system testing, as well as the completion of the first phase of a hangar for onboard radio-electronic equipment (BREO) testing to scale up serial production of aircraft,” as announced by UAC.
As for promotion efforts for the Su-57, the showcase of two stealth aircraft in China stands out, with these fighters on display at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, taking place in the Asian giant from November 12 to 17. Efforts are focused on promoting the Felon variant designated as the Su-57E, which is presented with a wide array of weaponry. Notable among these are Kh-69 stealth cruise missiles, Kh-58UShKE anti-radiation missiles, Grom-E1 missiles, K08BE bombs, and UPAB-1500B-E glide bombs.
UAC emphasized that: “Today, the Su-57 is the only fifth-generation fighter that has confirmed its revolutionary features in all types of combat applications. It is a formidable weapon with advanced strike capabilities. The fighter is distinguished by its high survivability due to its low detectability and modern onboard defense system. The aircraft continues to improve based on operational experience. Production capacity to manufacture this aircraft is expanding. The Su-57, along with the Su-34, Su-35S, and other aircraft, are the wings of our victory that Rostec’s aerospace companies deliver to the military with quality and on time. Incidentally, in the coming days, the Su-57 will make its world debut in its export version in China. I am confident that our foreign colleagues will value this fighter as it deserves,” stated Rostec State Corporation General Director Sergei Chemezov.
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