Once, the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon was to be a Russian answer to the highest-class American stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35. It required placing innovation at its core with the potential of being the airline of Russian aerospace in the world again through unbelievable flexibility, and the capability of fighting any foe with or no at least resistance. However, in reality, this combat aircraft has been through a lot of huddles, postponed productions, and mixed reactions about its concept of warfare in general.
This program was launched in the early 2000s, the PAK FA project, with goals that were both qualitative and quantitative, to build a dominating multi-role aircraft that would not only conquer the sky, but also penetrate deep into the enemy’s ground and, at the same time, collect secrets through the use of its sophisticated onboard electronic systems. To this end, stealth shaping, light-weight composite, and metallurgical materials, hidden weapons bays, and advanced avionics cluttered the Su-57.
To conquer the battlefield by superior tactics, moxie was the center of attention of the designer’s minds. The aircraft’s onboard systems were made so sophisticated that the onboard flight computer was often called an “electronic co-pilot.”
Distributed radar networks and sensors were offering total perimeter coverage, whereas decision aid software in its communication and data installations was meant to help pilots execute quicker and more intelligent judgments during a fight.
The parameters look breathtaking. It is capable of more than twice the speed of sound, reaching beyond 2,000 miles, launching hypersonic missiles, and simultaneously tracking a plurality of targets. Because of its slanted contours, radar-absorbing coatings, and internal engines, it is expected to be extremely difficult for enemies to detect even with a frontal attack.
On the other hand, it has been less than friendly to them. Western sanctions have prevented access to crucial electronic components and materials, in particular, those used to build the stealth of the Su-57. The radar system, which was originally based on German technology, is the most problematic piece to change or to be recreated. Due to such problems, production of Su-57 has been really slow, and the number of aircraft that can operate has been kept low.
As of the end of 2024, the total number of the first and second generation Su-57 planes, including pre-production, had reached around 22 models. The Russian Federation is still using more of the older fighters, such as the Su-30SM2 and Su-35S, which, despite their less advanced nature, are rather reliable and easy to maintain. The procedures and time for replacing a destroyed Su-57 are very costly.
The Su-57 has very little involvement in the war in Ukraine. Russian troops are overly cautious and take no chances with their few most valuable jets. Hence, the aircraft has played a very minor role practically on the battlefield, while older jets have been carrying out most of the combat operations.
There also wasn’t much scope for selling the aircraft abroad. Algeria has acquired six Su-57E aircraft, but it has not attracted a large number of other potential customers. India, which at one time was considering joint development of the aircraft, withdrew in 2018, saying that the Su-57’s security of systems approach to stealth and electronics was a matter of concern. Public airshows too have been instrumental in revealing that the perfection of the construction audi has not improved its standing.
The troubles of Su-57 are super-highway visible when put next to Western fighters. The United States alone has a fleet of over a thousand F-35s, totally supported by a well-established supply chain and stringent quality control. Actually, both the F-22 and F-35 have demonstrated their capabilities mainly by ensuring smooth flights—a criterion the Su-57 is still working on.
Even so, in the long-term Russian plans, the Su-57 is quite an important asset. It is a classifier of the scientific and national ambitions that, although still not the frontline game-changer, it sort of played that role in the past. At this time, Felon appears to be as much a trophy of honor as a fully fledged combatant in modern aerial warfare.