Russian Su-57 prototype. Image – Anna Zvereva [CC BY-SA 2.0]
The first Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet for the Russian Aerospace Force should be delivered soon.
Speaking to journalists on November 8, Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said, “As for the program of creating fifth-generation aircraft, we can see together with you that the first serial-produced Su-57 plane is actually ready for its delivery to the troops.”
The aircraft “will be delivered to the Aerospace Force before the end of this year,” Krivoruchko said. “Next year, we are expecting to get another such plane and subsequently their production will grow manifold.” That timeline is in line with the previously announced schedule. Russia plans to ramp up production – to over 10 aircraft per year on average – after the initial batches have been delivered.
By 2028, the Russian Aerospace Force will have received 76 aircraft under a contract signed earlier this year.
Even as serial production of the Su-57 gets underway, Russia is continuing to receive fourth-generation fighter jets, which have proved effective in service. Deputy Defense Minister Krivoruchko told journalists that the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant has already delivered 10 Su-35s to the military this year, completing the requirement for 2019 ahead of schedule. Four of these are for use with the Russian Knights, an aerobatics group.
Another 10 Su-35s, the final group of a larger contract signed several years ago, should be delivered in 2020.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
