Russia boosts Air Force with new Su‑35S and Su‑57 fighters
On Monday, 11th November, United Aircraft Corporation announced the delivery of a new batch of Su-35S and Su-57 Felon fighters for the Russian Air Force. According to a statement released by the Russian company Rostec, the aircraft have undergone numerous tests and have already been sent to their home bases.
"These jets underwent thorough inspection by technical staff and completed factory test cycles under diverse operational conditions by Ministry of Defense pilots," the Rostec press office reported. The Russians did not disclose the number of aircraft delivered; however, they noted that the aircraft had already been deployed to their home bases.
Russians with a new delivery of fighters
"Su-57 is the only fifth-generation fighter jet that has confirmed its breakthrough characteristics in all combat engagement options. The fighter jet is distinguished by a high survivability due a low signature and modern onboard defense complex. The aircraft will continue to be upgraded according to combat engagement experience," noted Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostec.
Numerous signs are pointing to the likelihood that the Russian air force will receive more fighter deliveries in 2024. Vadim Badekha, the CEO of United Aircraft Corporation, mentioned that additional units of the Su-57 and Su-35S fighters are set to be delivered to the military. He noted that these aircraft are currently in different production and testing phases.
The Su-57, also known as the Sukhoi Su-57, is a Russian fifth-generation fighter capable of reaching speeds over 1,520 mph. This most advanced Russian fighter is characterised by excellent manoeuvrability thanks to its two Saturn AL-41F turbofan engines. The Su-57 has advanced weaponry, including a 30 mm 9A-4071K cannon and the capability to carry missiles on twelve different hardpoints. Although it is marketed as a stealth technology machine, its radar detectability is questioned due to external weapon mounting.
The Su-35S is a fourth-generation multirole fighter that has effectively served the Russian Air Force since 2014. Thanks to its two thrust-vectoring engines, this aircraft reaches a maximum speed of approximately 1,490 mph while remaining extremely manoeuvrable. The Su-35S measures 71 feet in length, has a wingspan of 50 feet, and its armament includes an anti-aircraft GS-30 30 mm cannon and 12 hardpoints for mounting additional weaponry, including air-to-air missiles and bombs. Despite its impressive capabilities, incidents such as a close manoeuvre next to an American F-16 over Alaska highlight challenges related to the responsible and professional operation of these machines by their crews.
