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Russia delivers new Su-34 and Su-57 multirole combat aircraft to Russian Ministry of Defense.
On November 25, 2024, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of the Rostec State Corporation, delivered a new batch of fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets and Su-34 fighter-bombers to the Russian Ministry of Defense. These deliveries are part of this year’s defense procurement program, thus strengthening Russia’s operational and tactical aviation capabilities.
The Su-57 is a multirole combat aircraft developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, intended for both air superiority and ground attack missions. (Picture source: Rostec)
“Rostec’s aviation enterprises continue to deliver aircraft on schedule. The Su-57 and Su-34 handed over today will soon enter service. The Su-34 is highly regarded for its tactical, technical, and combat performance. As for the Su-57, it is considered one of the most advanced operational-tactical aircraft in service. It can engage a wide variety of targets using a broad range of precision weapons, all while remaining undetected, even against modern air defense systems.”
The Su-57 stands out as a next-generation multirole fighter aircraft designed to engage ground, naval, and aerial targets. Its stealth features reduce its radar signature and enable it to operate effectively in highly contested environments. It can also conduct missions 24/7, in difficult weather conditions, and under significant electronic warfare.
The Su-57 is a multirole combat aircraft developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, intended for both air superiority and ground attack missions. Its first flight took place on January 29, 2010, and it was officially commissioned on December 25, 2020. Designed to serve as a next-generation stealth fighter, it boasts advanced aerodynamics with the capacity to carry various military payloads while reducing its radar signature through its shape and materials.
Although the Russian version is a single-seater, a two-seater variant is planned for India, highlighting the concept’s modularity and the potential for international collaboration. The early production models are equipped with two AL-41F1 turbofan engines featuring afterburners and thrust-vectoring nozzles, delivering approximately 149 kN of thrust each. Ultimately, the Su-57 is expected to benefit from the more powerful Izdeliye 30 engine, whose thrust is anticipated to reach 170 kN.
With a wingspan of 14 meters, a length of 19.70 meters, and a height of 4.80 meters, the aircraft is large enough to carry up to 10,300 kg of fuel along with a variety of weapons. With a maximum takeoff weight of up to 37,000 kg, it reaches a top speed of about 2,600 km/h (Mach 2.45), a service ceiling of 20,000 meters, and a combat radius of 1,800 km—demonstrating its capability to strike distant targets. Its endurance of about 5.3 hours and climb rate of 21,000 m/min underscore its overall performance among the best in its class.
In terms of armament, the Su-57 is equipped with a built-in 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon. It also features two main weapon bays situated between the engines and two auxiliary bays on each flank, each intended to carry air-to-air missiles. Additionally, six external hardpoints under the wings expand its offensive capacity, including the potential for nuclear payloads. This combination gives it formidable versatility, both for aerial defense missions and precision strikes.
Regarding avionics, the Su-57 incorporates, among other systems, a Sh121 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a major advantage in detecting and simultaneously tracking multiple targets at long range. This advanced electronic architecture improves target detection, missile guidance, and overall tactical situational awareness. Meanwhile, the announced unit cost is around 50 million dollars, reflecting the substantial investment in cutting-edge technology represented by this fifth-generation stealth fighter.
The Su-34 is designed to strike ground and surface targets, as well as infrastructure protected by air defense systems, at great distances from its base. Capable of withstanding enemy fire and electronic countermeasures, it excels in day and night operations under diverse geographic conditions. It can employ both guided and unguided munitions and conduct aerial reconnaissance missions.
“The fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft complex and the Su-34 tactical bomber are the best aircraft in their class. They have already demonstrated their superior maneuverability, combat capabilities, and on-field effectiveness. UAC is committed to meeting the objectives of the state defense order and improving working conditions, notably through salary increases and an expansion of our social programs.”