Russia's warplane woes: Propaganda video unveils industry challenges

The Russian Federation released a propaganda video showcasing the production of Su-35S and Su-57 aircraft at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO) plants. Following the start of a full-scale war with Ukraine, Russia announced its economy's shift to wartime operations, emphasizing mass armament. Nonetheless, experts from the Defense Express service suggest that the video unintentionally highlights significant challenges within Russia's war industry.

With the onset of the conflict with Ukraine, the Russian Federation pivoted its economy to support wartime activities, promoting an increase in weapon production. A former Russian government minister even claimed that Russia was outpacing the global production of tanks.

Recently, Russia unveiled a propaganda video proudly featuring the Su-35S and Su-57 aircraft manufacturing at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO) in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. This marks the first such release since the conflict with Ukraine escalated. Defense Express experts have identified several aspects of the video that could reveal unsettling truths about the state of Russian manufacturing.

The video displays seven Su-35S fighters at different stages of assembly and showcases single-fuselage models of Su-57 fighters.

The Su-35S is a versatile fighter jet for air, ground, and maritime engagement. It has two thrust-vectoring engines, which enhance its agility, particularly at lower speeds. The Su‑35S can reach a top speed of 2.25 Mach, approximately 1,491 mph, and can carry up to roughly 8 tons of weaponry on its hardpoints.

Production of the fighter began in 2010, with the pace remaining relatively consistent pre-war - producing just seven units in 2022 and around ten in 2023. Russia has recently acquired a new batch of Su-35S jets used in covert operations against Ukraine

The Su-57, a more recent model meant to supersede the ageing MiG-29 and Su-27, began mass production in 2020. Powered by two Saturn AL-41F engines, it can achieve a maximum speed of 2.0 Mach, equating to over 1,522 mph, with a cruising speed of 1.3 Mach, or about 994 mph. Its primary weapon is a 30 mm 9A-4071K cannon, offering 6 interior and 6 exterior missile mount points.

Although the Su-57 has seen action in the Ukraine conflict, its production numbers suggest limited availability – with estimates of six units delivered in 2022, expected twelve in 2023, and potentially fifteen in 2024.

Defense Express analysts propose that Su-35S and Su-57 aircraft production rates might fall short of Russia’s publicized figures, pointing to possible component procurement issues and broader challenges in meeting military demands.