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Sukhoi Su-57

The Sukhoi Su-57 is a Russian twin-engine, single-seat, fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Sukhoi Su-57 is a Russian twin-engine, single-seat, fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi. It is designed for air superiority, strike missions, and low-observable operations, and is known by the NATO reporting name Felon. The aircraft first flew on 29 January 2010 and entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces on 25 December 2020.

Development

The Su-57 was developed under Russia’s PAK FA programme. The aircraft first flew in January 2010 and later entered serial production after a long development process.

Design and capabilities

The Su-57 is described as a twin-engine stealth multirole fighter with low-observable shaping and advanced avionics. Sources also describe it as intended for air superiority and precision strike missions.

Service history

The first production Su-57 entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in December 2020. Production numbers have remained comparatively low, with public sources giving differing estimates of the fleet size. For example, one source listed 32 produced, while other reports say fewer than 40 had been built as of the time of reporting.

Comparison with Western fighters

The Su-57 is often compared with the American F-22 and F-35 because it is Russia’s most prominent fifth-generation fighter. Whether it is “better” than the F-22 is not settled by authoritative sources, since the answer depends on criteria such as stealth, sensors, maneuverability, weapons, and mission role.

Key facts

  • The Su-57 is a Russian fifth-generation multirole fighter with low-observable features.
  • It first flew in January 2010 and entered service in December 2020.
  • Its range is about 3,500 km subsonic and about 1,500 km supersonic.
  • Public estimates of the number in service vary, with recent figures around 30-40.
  • Comparisons with Western fighters like the F-22 are not straightforward and depend on criteria.
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Canadian context

Canadian aviation and defence readers may encounter the Su-57 in discussions of NATO-Russia airpower, Arctic security, and comparisons with Western fifth-generation fighters used by Canada’s allies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Su-57?
The Su-57 is a Russian fifth-generation, twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi.
Is the Su-57 stealth?
Yes, it is generally described as a stealth or low-observable fighter, though sources differ on how advanced its stealth is compared with U.S. aircraft.
How many Su-57 does Russia have?
Public estimates vary by source, and recent figures are not always official. One source listed 32 produced, while other reports say fewer than 40 had been built as of the time of reporting.
What is the range of the Su-57?
A commonly cited figure is about 3,500 km in subsonic flight and about 1,500 km in supersonic flight.
Is the Su-57 better than F-22?
There is no single authoritative answer. The F-22 is generally considered superior in stealth and air-superiority maturity, while the Su-57 is designed for a different balance of maneuverability, sensors, and strike capability.
When did the Su-57 enter service?
The Su-57 entered service in December 2020, with the first serial aircraft accepted on 25 December 2020.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-57
    Supports: Basic identification, program background, first flight, and commonly cited range figures.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/Sukhoi-Su-57
    Supports: General description as a Russian twin-engine multirole combat aircraft and first flight in 2010.
  3. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxBsBi5OVBM
    Supports: Secondary report stating that fewer than 40 Su-57s had been built.
  4. GlobalMilitary.net — https://www.globalmilitary.net/aircraft/su-57-felon/
    Supports: Estimated production count, operational range, and service entry date.
  5. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQcTxG5AS0
    Supports: Statement that the first serial Su-57 entered service on 25 December 2020.
  6. KÜRE Encyclopedia — https://kureansiklopedi.com/en/detay/sukhoi-su-57-01a6e
    Supports: Description as a fifth-generation low-observable fighter and first operational Russian stealth fighter.