Russia Equips Fifth-Generation Su-57 Fighter Jet with Sixth-Generation Technologies

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – A senior official from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), the country’s combat aircraft manufacturer, has revealed that the fifth-generation Su-57 “Felon” fighter jet is being equipped with sixth-generation technologies.

Speaking on the recent episode of the “Military Acceptance” program, UAC Director General Vadim Badekha stated that the Su-57 fighter was developed to remain operational for 50 years and is now being enhanced with sixth-generation fighter jet technologies.

However, Badekha did not elaborate on the specific sixth-generation technologies being integrated into the Su-57.

“When designing the Su-57 fighter jet, we considered a development prospect of at least 50 years. Therefore, from the outset, the Su-57’s designers incorporated capabilities for future upgrades and adaptations to meet customer requirements and the demands of the times,” he explained.

“We have already begun introducing sixth-generation elements and technologies into this aircraft,” Badekha said, as reported by the Russian state news agency, TASS.

Although the UAC official refrained from providing detailed information, this has not deterred defense observers and aviation experts from speculating.

The upgrades are likely to include modular solutions designed to future-proof the Su-57 and gradually enhance its capabilities over time.

One of the technologies expected to play a critical role in the Su-57’s upgrades is Artificial Intelligence (AI).

According to a report by TASS two years ago, the upgraded Su-57 will feature enhanced equipment, including AI functionalities.

The aircraft is also undergoing tests for new weapon systems and engines.

The new systems will enable the Su-57’s onboard computer to manage flight operations, allowing pilots to focus on other critical tasks.

In 2021, Nikita Dorofeev, head of the cockpit department at the Sukhoi Design Bureau, stated that future Su-57 pilots may control the aircraft using eye movements or voice commands.

Additionally, Sukhoi test pilot Rafael Suleimanov claimed that AI integration would enable the Su-57 to “perform any task in the air.”

Russia is also actively exploring the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet.

Earlier this year, Evgeny Fedosov, Scientific Director of the State Research Institute of Aviation Systems (GosNIIAS), announced that Russia aims to develop its sixth-generation fighter, which is expected to be operational by 2050.

“We are currently considering the concept of a sixth-generation aircraft, conducting research, and exchanging ideas with military experts,” Fedosov said.

“Such an aircraft is expected to appear around 2050, but it is crucial to understand now what future armed conflicts will look like,” he added.

Globally, several nations are developing sixth-generation fighter programs.

The United States is leading with its Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, while the UK, Italy, and Japan are collaborating on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).

Similarly, France, Germany, and Spain are working on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), and China is advancing its “Baidi” sixth-generation fighter project.

Unlike its competitors, Russia has yet to officially disclose any specific sixth-generation fighter program. – DSA