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Russia's Su-57D Fighter: A New Era in Aerial Warfare
From Stealth Fighter to Aerial Warlord: Meet Russia’s Su-57D
Image: India
The Su-57D, Russia's new twin-seat stealth fighter, completed its first flight on May 19, 2026, at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant. Designed to function as a flying command center, it will control drones and coordinate complex missions, marking a significant shift in aerial combat strategy. This aircraft could meet India's requirements for advanced drone warfare capabilities.
- 01The Su-57D features a second seat for enhanced mission coordination, allowing one pilot to focus on flying while the other manages drones and electronic warfare.
- 02The aircraft's development timeline was notably rapid, with the first flight occurring less than 30 months after the patent was filed in November 2023.
- 03Russia aims to use the Su-57D as an airborne control center rather than just a stealth fighter, differentiating it from Western sixth-generation programs.
- 04Despite facing sanctions that impact its technology supply, Russia has opted to upgrade the existing Su-57 rather than develop a new aircraft from scratch.
- 05The Su-57D aligns with India's previous interest in a twin-seat fighter, potentially enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
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On May 19, 2026, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced that the Su-57D, a twin-seat stealth fighter, successfully completed its inaugural flight at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant. This aircraft is designed to serve as a flying command center, coordinating drone operations and complex missions, a concept known as manned-unmanned teaming. Unlike older single-seat fighters, the Su-57D includes a second seat, allowing one pilot to focus on flying while the other manages drone control and electronic warfare tasks. The rapid development of the Su-57D, which took less than 30 months from patent filing to first flight, is attributed to the reuse of an older test jet, demonstrating efficiency in a challenging economic environment impacted by Western sanctions. Although the Su-57D may have trade-offs in terms of radar signature and agility due to its design changes, its strategic value lies in its ability to manage missions rather than sheer numbers. This aircraft holds particular significance for India, which previously sought a twin-seat fighter for its air force. The Su-57D could fulfill India's needs for advanced drone warfare capabilities, potentially leading to a significant defense partnership between the two nations.
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The Su-57D's capabilities could significantly enhance India's air force, particularly in managing drone operations and conducting complex missions.
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