Russia begins serial production of 5th generation fighters
Russia has started serial production of Su-57 fifth generation fighters, according to a brochure for the 80th anniversary of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, which developed the aircraft, RIA Novosti reports.
“In 2019, serial production has been launched and a long-term contract has been signed with the Defense Ministry to supply more than 70 aircraft,” the company stated.
At the end of June, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov announced that a contract had been signed to purchase 76 of the Su-57 fighters during the Army-2019 forum. According to President Vladimir Putin’s orders, the aircraft must be delivered to the army by 2028.
The Russian president said that the military had succeeded in negotiating a 20% discount from the plant, which will enable the Defense Ministry to purchase more aircraft and to arm three aviation regiments with them.
The Su-57 is the first Russian fifth-generation fighter, developed by the United Aircraft Corporation. The exact characteristics of the aircraft have not been disclosed. What is known is that it will be able to carry air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles and has advanced stealth technology. The aircraft has been undergoing testing under combat conditions in Syria since February 2018.