UAC corporation announced on 24/9 the delivery of a new batch of Su-57 fighter jets to the Russian air force. These combat aircraft completed factory testing; Russian Ministry of Defense pilots evaluated them under various operating conditions before flying to their home bases.
According to UAC, the newly delivered Su-57s differ from those transferred to the Russian air force when the Ukraine conflict began. Developers implemented many improvements based on real combat experience.
UAC did not specify the upgrades in this new batch of Su-57s. However, Russian defense television quoted a pilot stating that these Su-57s use a "new technical configuration", expanding their mission scope. Fire control system additions also enable these fighter jets to use new weapons.
"Fighter Bomber", an account belonging to a Russian fighter pilot, suggested this batch of Su-57s features new control software to deploy air-to-ground weapons not on previous production models. "This is normal for combat forces. Software updates and new weapons are continuously tested and put into use almost daily", the account added.
Ukraine's Defence Blog noted that UAC previously mentioned a "new technical configuration" for Su-57s delivered to the Russian air force in February. Those aircraft featured new head-up displays and infrared sensor clusters to enhance situational awareness and target designation.
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Su-57 fighter jet taking off in a photo released on 24/9. Photo: UAC |
The Su-57 is Russia's 5th-generation multirole combat aircraft, designed to destroy air, ground, and sea targets. It uses radar-absorbing materials and a design optimized for stealth against electronic reconnaissance. Each aircraft carries 6 weapons internally, including 4 in two belly bays and two missiles in two side bays.
Su-57 fighter jets entered the Ukraine conflict 2-3 weeks after it began. The Russian air force also tested ground-attack weapons developed for this stealth fighter, including the Kh-69 tactical cruise missile, which Ukrainian media described as "more formidable than the Kinzhal hypersonic missile".
Ukrainian F-16 pilots acknowledged Russian Su-57s as one of the biggest threats during sorties, alongside Su-35S and MiG-31 aircraft equipped with R-37M long-range missiles.
Nguyen Tien (According to RIA Novosti, Zvezda, AFP)
