Russia Is Trying to Make Its Disappointing Su-57 a Six-Gen Fighter Jet
Summary
Russia is working to upgrade its Su-57 fighter jet with new technologies that it calls sixth-generation. However, experts doubt that these changes will match the advanced jets being developed by the U.S., China, and other countries. Russia plans to add a second cockpit on the new Su-57D model to control drones flying alongside the jet.Key Facts
- The Su-57 is Russia’s most advanced stealth fighter and is considered a fifth-generation jet by Russian officials.
- Western experts say the Su-57 lacks some features typical of fifth-generation jets, such as effective radar stealth.
- The upgraded Su-57D will have a second cockpit for controlling multiple drones working with the jet.
- The Su-57D is designed to operate alongside the large Okhotnik drone, tested since 2019.
- Sixth-generation fighter jets in other countries are expected to use more unmanned technology and carry more weapons internally.
- Russia has been slow to produce more Su-57 jets because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Russia had about 21 Su-57 jets by early 2026, with Ukraine claiming to have damaged one in mid-2024.
- Experts believe that the Su-57D is unlikely to fully become a true sixth-generation jet but may be aimed at export sales.
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