The Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered a new batch of Su-57 and Su-35S fighter jets to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), according to a statement by UAC officials.
According to a press release, the fifth-generation Su-57 fighters have successfully passed all factory tests and were approved by the technical staff of the Ministry of Defense after a series of flight trials in various operational modes.
The jets have been relocated to their designated base, with Russian military pilots expressing satisfaction with their performance. “The aircraft exhibit high flight and technical characteristics, which have been greatly appreciated by our pilots,” said Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy Director General of Rostec. He also confirmed that additional Su-57 jets are at various stages of production, with Su-35S aircraft nearing completion as well.
UAC’s production facility is currently undergoing modernization to accommodate growing demand for the Su-57. Recent upgrades include the completion of new flight test station facilities, and construction has begun on additional buildings to support serial production of the fifth-generation aircraft.
“The number of fifth-generation fighters delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces is increasing every year. The Su-57 remains the most advanced front-line aircraft in Russia today,” said UAC CEO Yuri Slyusar.
However, some prominent military figures, including Ilya Tumanov, who runs the influential Russian defense channel ‘Fighterbomber,’ voiced concerns about the aircraft delivered. “I hope these are new jets and not ones that have been repaired, modernized, or restored,” Tumanov remarked, alluding to recent damage to several Su-57s at their base in Akhtubinsk. In a Ukrainian drone strike earlier this year, one Su-57 was destroyed, and four others were severely damaged.