The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia’s current answer to the U.S. stealth fighters such as the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor. It is a multirole aircraft that can be used in a diverse range of missions and carry out an array of objectives. The fighter, developed by Sukhoi, first entered production in 2019 and around three dozen aircraft have been delivered into service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.
The Sukhoi Su-57 comes in several variants that expand its use in aerial warfare, allowing it not only to establish air superiority but also to strike both ground and maritime targets in a variety of conditions and environments. Russia plans to eventually replace its current stock of MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft with the Sukhoi Su-57 and other in-development aircraft that incorporate stealth technology to match the current capabilities of U.S., European, and Chinese air forces.
The performance of the Sukhoi Su-57 in battle is still not known, with the fighter not thought to have been used in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. From what is known about the aircraft, it seems able to reach speeds of up to Mach two — twice the speed of sound — and has the ability to outcompete most fourth-generation fighters. However, its stealth capabilities and computing powers are believed to be much reduced compared to its main rivals, using basic techniques such as aircraft shaping to hide from radars. Yet, it does have significant armament, coming equipped with air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and a single-barrel 30 mm cannon.
