United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has manufactured and delivered a large batch of Su-57 fighters with a new technical configuration to Russia's ministry of defense. The aircraft feature upgraded weapons and integrated systems, Russian defense conglomerate Rostec announced on 9/2, without specifying the exact number. Rostec added that the fighters completed factory testing before Russian military pilots accepted them under various operational conditions.

The Russian Su-57 fighter in a video released on 9/2. Video: UAC

Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rostec, stated that the Su-57 is a formidable weapon, having proven its effectiveness at the front lines and destroying many targets. He added that this aircraft can be deployed to areas where the enemy has advanced air defense systems. While Russian officials did not detail the specific upgrades for the newly received Su-57 batch, Chemezov emphasized that they are "more powerful and dangerous."

Guy Plopsky, an American scholar specializing in Russian defense, suggested these Su-57s likely feature a new head-up display, additional navigation lights for night formation flying, and extra side missile warning sensors. Last year, General Alexander Maksimtsev, deputy commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, announced that Su-57 fighters had begun to be equipped with various advanced attack systems, including hypersonic missiles.

While the specific type of hypersonic weapon was not disclosed, some Russian military news outlets speculate it could be a miniaturized Kinzhal version designed to fit the Su-57's internal weapon bays. This would enhance its strike power while preserving the aircraft's stealth capabilities.

An Su-57 fighter taking off in a photo posted on 9/2. Photo: UAC

The Su-57 is Russia's fifth-generation multirole fighter, engineered to engage all types of targets in the air, on land, and at sea. It features radar-absorbent material and an optimized design for stealth against electronic reconnaissance. Each aircraft can carry a total of six internal weapons: four in two belly bays and two missiles in two side bays.

The Su-57 fighter began its combat deployment in Ukraine approximately two to three weeks after the conflict erupted. The Russian air force also tested various ground attack weapons developed specifically for this stealth fighter, including the Kh-69 tactical cruise missile, which Ukrainian media described as "more terrifying than the hypersonic Kinzhal missile." Last month, Ukrainian F-16 pilots acknowledged that Russia's Su-57 is one of the greatest threats during each sortie, alongside Su-35S and MiG-31 aircraft equipped with long-range R-37M missiles.

Pham Giang (According to Zvezda, Anadolu)