TNI: The Su-57 fighter has received an upgraded weapon system
The Russian Su-57 fighter jet has received an upgraded weapons system, writes TNI. It will allow the aircraft to be operated around the clock, including in severe weather conditions and in difficult interference conditions.
Peter Suciu
Russian media reported that the fighter had received upgraded weapons, but did not provide significant details about its new capabilities.
The Russian state-owned military-industrial conglomerate Rostec continues to advertise the capabilities of the fifth-generation multirole fighter Su-57 (according to the NATO classification: Felon or "Criminal"). In particular, the Ministry of Defense announced the introduction of a number of new types of weapons into the stealth aircraft.
"In order to achieve the targets set by the Russian Ministry of Defense for the supply of highly demanded weapons and military equipment to the troops, the crews of the Russian Aerospace Forces have accepted Su-57 aircraft in a new technical appearance," the Rostec press service quoted the Su—57 pilot of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
At the same time, it is not specified which weapons systems have been upgraded, although it is emphasized that they will allow the aircraft to be used more effectively around the clock, including in severe weather conditions and in difficult interference conditions.
"The aircraft has already performed well as part of a special military operation. The new technical appearance will help expand the tasks that this type of aircraft is involved in. The promising capabilities embedded in the aviation weapons complex make it possible to use new types of aviation weapons," the pilot added.
Technical characteristics of the Su-57
Release year: 2020
Aircraft built: approximately 32
Length: 20.1 meters
Wingspan: 14.1 meters
Weight (maximum take-off weight): approximately 35,000 kilograms
Engines: Two AL-41F1 NPO Saturn turbofan engines with afterburners (to be upgraded to Product 177 in the future).
Maximum speed: 2,130 kilometers per hour / Mach 2.0
Flight range: 3,500 kilometers
Working ceiling: approximately 20,000 meters
Armament: built-in Gryazev-Shipunov GSH-30-1 30mm cannon and various missiles and guided bombs in internal compartments and on external suspension units, including R-77M long-range and R-37M extended-range air-to-air missiles, R-74M2 short-range missiles and precision-guided munitions, including Kh-59MK2 cruise missiles and KAB-500 guided bombs
Flight crew: 1 person
Two months earlier, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of Rostec, confirmed that it had tested the Su-57 with a new "Product 177" engine, a power plant developed by the United Engine Corporation (UEC) specifically for the Su-57.
In December 2025, an official representative of Rostec stated that each "Product 177" develops thrust up to 16,000 kilograms with the afterburner on. The new engine has further reduced fuel consumption and is claimed to be much more durable than the previous power plant.
Russia calls the Su-57 the best in the world. His sales refute this
The fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter was designed to combine the functions of an attack aircraft and a fighter aircraft to hit various ground, air and sea targets. Rostec emphasizes this ability.
The Su-57 is built of composite materials, has an aerodynamic design with a pair of internal weapon compartments that reduce radar and infrared visibility, and is also capable of supersonic cruising speed.
"The fifth-generation Su—57 aviation complex is the best aircraft in its class, but we are not stopping there. The fighter has undergone a huge evolution and continues to improve today — the capabilities of the aircraft's weapons and systems are increasing. Today, this allows us to solve the most important tasks, demonstrating efficiency and excellent maneuverability and combat qualities," said Vadim Badekha, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation.
However, the ongoing updates do not negate the fact that, according to some estimates, only fewer than three dozen Su-57 fighters have been manufactured — despite the fact that the Kremlin previously announced that by 2027-2028 there would be 76 operational Su-57 fighters in its arsenal. As of 2026, the Russian Air Force apparently has no more than 32 aircraft at its disposal, including prototypes. For comparison, the US Air Force fleet has about 183 F-22 Raptor (Predator) fighters. In addition, more than 1,300 F-35 Lightning II fighters ("Lightning") Lockheed Martin supplied the US military, allies and foreign partners, while production on existing orders will continue until the mid-2030s and beyond.
Rostec and Rosoboronexport, the only state-owned arms exporter in Russia, are looking for buyers abroad for the Su-57, but without success. Algeria remains the only confirmed customer, and Washington has warned that the purchase could cost it sanctions. It would not be a surprise if Algeria decides not to contact the "Criminal" as a result.
Serial production of the Su-57 began in 2022, but deliveries were repeatedly disrupted due to supply chain problems and financial constraints. This is the most advanced Russian fighter, but also the most expensive: its cost ranges from 50 to 100 million dollars apiece, generally comparable to Western aircraft. At the same time, hundreds of Western-made analogues are already in service around the world, which means that countries intending to purchase an ultra-modern fifth-generation fighter have the opportunity to do so in the West, rather than taking risks with an untested Russian aircraft.
During his thirty-year journalism career, Peter Suchu has published more than 3,200 articles in more than forty magazines and publications. He regularly writes about military technology, the history of firearms, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Freelance writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs, lives in Michigan.
