Russian state-owned media outlet has reported that fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet will be armed with hypersonic missiles with characteristics similar to that of the Kinzhal missile.
“In accordance with Russia’s State Armament Program for 2018-2027, Su-57 jet fighters will be equipped with hypersonic missiles,” a Russian defense industry source told TASS.
But the source did not provide details on specific characteristics of the new missiles or clarifications on when they will be tried.
“The jet fighters will receive missiles with characteristics similar to that of the Kinzhal missiles, but with inter-body placement and smaller size,” also added in TASS report.
The Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missile system was unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 1. The Russian leader said the Kinzhal had an operating range of over 2,000 km. The MiG-31K fighter jet is the basic carrier of Kinzhal hypersonic missiles today.
The Russian military will reportedly receive a small batch of 12 Su-57s next year.