The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of Rostec, has delivered a new batch of Su-57 Felon and Su-34 Fullback combat aircraft to the Russian Ministry of Defense under the current state defense order.
This delivery comes as Russia continues to experience setbacks in its air capabilities due to ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
“Aerospace enterprises within Rostec are steadily supplying aviation equipment to the troops. The Su-57 and Su-34 aircraft delivered today will soon take their place in active service,” Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov said. “The Su-34 is valued by pilots for its high technical and combat characteristics. The Su-57, often referred to as the ‘king of the skies,’ has demonstrated its status as a fifth-generation fighter in prolonged combat conditions. It can effectively engage a wide range of targets using precision-guided weapons while maintaining low visibility against advanced air defense systems.”
The Su-57, a multirole fifth-generation fighter, is designed for a broad spectrum of combat missions, including striking air, ground, and naval targets. Its capabilities include all-weather operations, advanced electronic warfare systems, and the ability to perform in contested airspace.
Meanwhile, the Su-34, a fighter-bomber, is optimized for striking ground, sea, and aerial targets, including infrastructure protected by air defense systems at long ranges. It employs both guided and unguided munitions and is also capable of performing reconnaissance missions.
“The Su-57 and Su-34 are among the best in their class,” said UAC head Vadim Badekha. “They address critical tasks while showcasing superior maneuverability and combat performance. Our production teams continue to work diligently to fulfill the state defense order, and we are committed to enhancing wages and expanding corporate social programs.”
These developments come as Russia faces challenges in rebuilding its air fleet. Since the start of the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has lost at least 134 military aircraft, according to Oryx, an open-source intelligence group. The confirmed losses include 36 Su-34 strike aircraft and one Su-34M. Notably, a Su-57 was reportedly lost in a Ukrainian drone attack on the Akhtubinsk airbase.
The actual figures could be higher, as Oryx only reports losses that can be verified through visual evidence. The sustained losses highlight the strain on Russian forces as the war in Ukraine continues.