The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has completed the delivery of the third and final batch of Su-57 Felon stealth fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). The news, reported today, coincided with the provision of another batch of Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers to the Ministry of Defense.
Throughout the year, various developments have occurred regarding the fifth-generation fighter program of the Russian Federation. One of UAC’s primary objectives has been to increase the number of aircraft produced and delivered to the VKS while also making significant efforts to promote the Su-57 in the export market.
Firstly, various investments have been made in the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft production facility. Specifically, the opening of “…buildings for fuel system testing, as well as the completion of the first phase of constructing a hangar for testing onboard radio-electronic equipment (BREO), to scale up the serial production of aircraft,” according to an official UAC statement from August.
In terms of production efforts, two major milestones stood out: the presentation of two aircraft in China for display at the Zhuhai Airshow held in November. UAC and Rosoboronexport’s international market efforts are focused on supporting the export version of the stealth fighter, designated as the Su-57E. Notably, representatives of the Russian state agency indicated that the first contract with a foreign customer was signed, though no further details were provided.
Returning to the delivery of new Su-57s to the Russian Aerospace Forces, UAC confirmed the delivery of the third and final batch of fifth-generation fighters. The previous batches were delivered to the Ministry of Defense for unit deployment in September and November. However, as we have indicated on several occasions, the number of aircraft has not been specified, though it is presumed to consist of two to three units per batch.
Cover photo used for illustrative purposes.
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