MOSCOW, Nov 20 — RIA Novosti, Andrey Kotz. The most modern Russian aircraft got rid of many "childhood diseases" and became a full-fledged tactical aviation unit of the Russian Aerospace Forces. The presentation in the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai Airshow 2025 made a splash. What struck the development is in the RIA Novosti article.
The inner compartment
The UAE showed the eighth prototype of the Su-57, the T—50-9, presented as an export modification. The fighter demonstrated high maneuverability with extreme angles of attack, the Pugachev's cobra, the bell, the flat corkscrew and other complex elements.
Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, and Sergey Bogdan, Sukhoi Test Pilot, at the Dubai Airshow 2025 International Aviation and Space Salon in Dubai
Image source: © RIA Novosti / UAC Press Service
The car was piloted by the famous test pilot, Hero of Russia Sergey Bogdan. The plane attracted everyone's attention — the United Aircraft Corporation exhibition stand was always crowded. And it's clear why.
In particular, for the first time, the Russian delegation showed the internal fuselage armament compartments of the vehicle. The aircraft has four of them — two central and two lateral. Of course, there are also external suspension points, but the missiles on them greatly increase the visibility of the "invisible" for the enemy radar and dramatically increase the distance from which the Su-57 can be detected. That's why they hide the weapons inside. For example, the American F-22 and F-35 fighters, as well as the Chinese J-35, are designed according to the same principle.
Russian Su-57E fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow 2025 International Aviation and Space Salon in Dubai
Image source: © RIA Novosti / UAC Press Service
In the interior compartments of the exhibit, visitors examined the latest X-58USHKE anti-radar missiles with a range of up to 250 kilometers. Multi—band passive homing heads cover the range from 0.1 to 11 gigahertz, in which most Western-made air defense system radars operate - from AN/MPQ-53 (Patriot complex) to TRML-4D (IRIS-T).
This is a whole new level. And so the inconspicuous Su-57s are now capable of destroying Western air defense systems without entering the affected area. And the pilot doesn't even need to know the exact location of the battery.
The Russian Su-57 fighter
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Nina Padalko
In fact, the rocket implements the principle of "shot and forget." The launch is carried out in the radar area, then the X-85USHK operates by itself. And without a radar, the battery completely loses its combat capability.
Flat nozzles
The Su-57E, which visited Dubai, is equipped with the so—called first-stage engine, the AL-41F1, as on Su-35S fighters. According to the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), the next-generation AL-51F1 engine, also known as Product 30, has been under development since 2014. These two engines are capable of producing a total thrust of 22 thousand kilogram-forces. The fighter will be able to fly without afterburner at supersonic, reach speeds of up to 3,000 kilometers per hour and climb 20,000 meters.
For a long time, Western experts argued that the Su-57 cannot be considered a fifth-generation fighter, since it has fourth-generation engines. After the adoption of the AL-51F1, their skepticism will decrease. According to the trends of military fashion, the nozzles of the aircraft will become flat, like the F-22, which will make it difficult for air defense systems to detect.
The upgraded Su-57 will receive new engines. It is expected that its production will begin next year. The airframe will also be improved to improve stability at supersonic speeds. In addition, they will replace the radar and add an AI-based assistant, a helmet-mounted aiming system, and strengthen missile weapons.
Better than the competition
The Su-57E already has buyers. Vadim Badekha, Director General of the UAC, announced that the first two fighters had been delivered to a foreign customer. They have already started their combat duty. According to Badehi, "the buyer is satisfied."
We can explain the increased interest in the Su-57: it is the only fifth-generation fighter that has had a chance to fight in the face of a modern missile defense system consisting of both Western and Soviet components. How html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">said Sergey Chemezov, head of Rostec, the aircraft has proven itself well during its operation. The details of its combat use are unknown, but for sure the Russian side is sharing them with potential customers.
Dubai also recalled the fifth-generation Su-75 Checkmate light Russian fighter, which was first presented as a mock-up at the MAKS Air Show in 2021. Pilot Bogdan told reporters that the Su-75 would take off in a few months.
