Russia’s military aviation capabilities have received a boost with the reported delivery of New Russian Fighter Aircraft, specifically the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon and Su-35S Flanker-M models. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a key part of the state-controlled Rostec defense conglomerate, confirmed the handover of a fresh batch of these jets to the Russian Aerospace Forces, signaling continued efforts to modernize its fleet despite ongoing challenges.
Russia’s advanced Su-57 Felon fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft.
Details of the Delivery
While the specific quantity of aircraft in this latest delivery remains undisclosed, Russian state media outlet Tass reported that the fighters successfully passed all necessary factory trials before being transferred to their operational airfields. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha indicated that production continues, stating, “Other batches of Su-57 fifth-generation and Su-35S multirole fighter jets of generation 4++ will be delivered by the end of the year. The aircraft are at various production and test stages.” This confirms ongoing efforts to supply the military with advanced aerial platforms.
A Russian Su-35S Flanker-M multirole fighter jet in flight, part of the new aircraft deliveries.
Production Hurdles and Sanctions
Despite these deliveries, significant obstacles plague Russia’s ability to produce its most advanced aircraft, including the Su-57, in large numbers. Western-imposed sanctions have complicated access to crucial components, forcing reliance on alternative sourcing methods, potentially through shell companies or intermediaries like China. Furthermore, reports suggest that aircraft losses in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are outpacing the rate at which new fighters can be manufactured and deployed. Issues with ramping up the Su-57 to full serial production were evident even before the major sanctions imposed in 2022, leading to scaled-back projections for the fleet size.
Su-57 Felon in the Spotlight
Moscow is actively promoting its premier fifth-generation fighter, the Su-57. The aircraft is slated for an aerial demonstration at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai. Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov highlighted the jet’s alleged strengths, telling Tass, “Su-57 is the only fifth-generation fighter jet that has confirmed its breakthrough characteristics in all combat engagement options… distinguished by a high survivability due [to] a low signature and modern onboard defense complex.” He expressed confidence that the export version’s debut in China would impress potential foreign buyers.
Close-up view of the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, a new Russian fighter aircraft facing production hurdles.
However, this high-profile appearance hasn’t been without controversy. The arrival of a prototype Su-57 in China reportedly drew unfavorable comparisons on social media to China’s own fifth-generation fighter, the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon. This reaction underscores the challenges Russia faces in marketing the Su-57 internationally, especially given its limited production and combat record.
Mounting Losses in Ukraine
The pressure to deliver New Russian Fighter Aircraft is intensified by documented losses in Ukraine. The Su-35S, despite being a capable 4++ generation air superiority fighter, has proven vulnerable to sophisticated Western-supplied air defense systems operated by Ukrainian forces. Reports indicated significant Su-35S losses earlier this year, and these numbers continue to rise. This reality makes the continued production of the Su-35S seem challenging, yet the alternative – deploying the more advanced and expensive Su-57 into the contested Ukrainian airspace – is a risk Moscow has seemed unwilling to take, likely fearing similar or worse outcomes for its prized stealth fighter.
A Sukhoi Su-35S fighter jet, a type suffering losses in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Conclusion
The recent delivery of Su-57 and Su-35S jets underscores Russia’s determination to maintain and enhance its air power capabilities amidst difficult circumstances. However, these efforts are significantly hampered by international sanctions, production limitations, and substantial combat losses, particularly concerning the Su-35S model. While the Kremlin promotes the Su-57 on the international stage, its limited numbers and cautious deployment strategy highlight the ongoing challenges facing Russia’s advanced fighter programs and the future of its air force.
