Summary and Key Points: Russian state media outlet TASS reported significant upgrades to the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet, enhancing its functionality for special military operations.

-The fifth-generation multirole fighter, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, now boasts increased stealth, survivability, and maneuverability.

-Though specifics were not fully detailed, improvements likely include Izdeliye 30 engines for better thrust and fuel efficiency, as well as enhanced radar systems for superior targeting.

-Despite these upgrades, production challenges persist. The announcement coincides with the 85th anniversary of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, which has produced over 100 aircraft models since its founding.

Russia's 'Fifth-Generation' Su-57 Has Received Major Upgrade

Russian state media outlet TASS reported on Monday that the "functionality" of its Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name Felon) has been "expanded and improved for special military operations (SMO) tasks." The all-weather fifth-generation multirole fighter was developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau to be Russia's premier front-line combat aircraft, but the Kremlin has struggled to produce the Su-57 in significant numbers.

Yet, Moscow has continued to hype the capabilities of the aircraft, even as its role in the ongoing war in Ukraine has been limited.

"The latest fifth-generation Su-57 fighter is used to solve the most complex tasks. It is capable of performing tasks in conditions of dense enemy air defense due to its increased stealth and survivability characteristics. Despite the high characteristics of existing aircraft, today the Sukhoi Design Bureau is working on improving and expanding its functionality for the tasks of the Air Defense Forces," a source within the United Aircraft Corporation explained while marking the 85th anniversary of the Sukhoi Design Bureau.

UAC further explained that the Su-57 is "part of a central combat link" along with the Sukhoi Su-34 (NATO reporting name Fullback) and Sukhoi Su-35 (NATO reporting name Flanker-E/M) fighters. The former remains the "workhorse" of the Russian Aerospace Forces and is supported in combat operations by the Su-35.

Upgraded Su-57

The report from TASS didn't clarify what upgrades the Su-57 had received. The Kremlin has previously boasted that its Su-57 employs composite materials including polymer, fiberglass, and aluminum load-bearing honeycomb fillers, while it features an aerodynamic configuration that includes a pair of internal weapons bays, which help provide a low level of radar and infrared signature.

According to Air Force Technology, the Russian aircraft is also equipped with 3D thrust vector jets for higher maneuverability and is capable of developing supersonic cruising speed. The twin-engine fighter is powered by Izdeliye 117 or AL-41F1 augmented turbofans, and it can fly at a speed of up to Mach two without afterburners, while it can reach a range of up to 3,500km at subsonic speeds.

The Su-57 has been further noted to employ a powerful onboard computer – which has been described as an electronic second pilot – while its radar system is spread across its body. Its onboard avionics systems include active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and ELINT systems.

It has been reported that the upgrades could include the adoption of the Izdeliye 30 engines, which could offer improved thrust and fuel efficiency to the original AL-41F1 engines of the Su-57. In addition, there have been claims that the radar system has been enhanced, offering "extended detection range and superior targeting-tracking capabilities," according to BulgarianMilitary.com. "Moreover, the cockpit has been revamped to enhance pilot situational awareness and reduce workload."

Such features could make the Su-57 a more formidable aircraft, yet the touted enhancements still don't address the biggest shortcoming with the Russian fifth-generation stealth fighter – namely that Russia has struggled to produce it in any significant numbers.

Sukhoi Design Bureau at 85

As noted, Russia used the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the Sukhoi Design Bureau's founding to hype the Su-57. The aviation maker was created by decree on July 29, 1939 – and since its founding, has created more than 100 aircraft and modifications, while it was reported that it has "serially produced" as many as 12,000 aircraft.

Its milestone anniversary comes just a month after a fire engulfed several of the bureau's buildings. The cause of the fire hasn't been confirmed, yet, as Newsweek reported, Russia has seen a "string of mysterious fires in Russia" since the Kremlin launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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