Russia's Su-57 is the only fifth-generation fighter jet currently carrying out full combat operations, according to United Aircraft Corporation head Vadim Badekha.
Speaking on Russian state television network Channel One, Badekha said the aircraft demonstrates its superiority over leading foreign weapons systems every day in real combat conditions. He added that allies of Russia are well aware of the stealth jet's operational performance.
Badekha also addressed international defense procurement, stating that American F-35 Lightning II fighters are not under consideration in the Indian market. India's air force relies heavily on combat aircraft of Russian origin, including the Su-30MKI. The F-35, produced by American defense contractor Lockheed Martin, is a single-engine stealth jet operated by the United States and several allied militaries.
The Su-57, developed by Sukhoi and known by NATO reporting name Felon, is a twin-engine multirole stealth fighter designed for air dominance and precision strikes against ground and naval targets. Fifth-generation aircraft are defined by low-observable stealth features, internal weapons bays, advanced radar systems, and sensor fusion. United Aircraft Corporation, which consolidates Russian military aviation design bureaus including Sukhoi and Mikoyan, operates as a subsidiary of state defense conglomerate Rostec.
Stealth drones and strike capabilities
The operational capabilities and armament of the Su-57 have attracted ongoing analysis from Western military observers. Earlier in September, American defense publication TWZ reported that stealth drones belonging to the S-71 family form part of the Su-57's combat arsenal.
According to the TWZ report, the integration of the S-71 series reflects a drive by Russian military planners to develop affordable and effective precision munitions. The S-71 represents a family of compact, air-launched uncrewed aerial vehicles designed to be carried internally or on external hardpoints, allowing tactical fighters to strike defended targets from outside the range of enemy air defenses.
Export portfolio and trainer aircraft
Russian defense exporters are also pursuing foreign customers for the fifth-generation aircraft platform. State arms export agency Rosoboronexport announced in September that its official order portfolio includes signed export contracts for the Su-57E, the specialized international variant of the stealth fighter.
In addition to the Su-57E orders, Rosoboronexport reported that its contract portfolio includes sales of the Yak-130M combat training aircraft. The Yak-130M is an upgraded derivative of the Yakovlev Yak-130 subsonic trainer, designed to prepare jet pilots for advanced fifth-generation fighters while offering secondary light attack capabilities. Rosoboronexport operates as Russia's sole state intermediary for foreign defense exports.
