The current Sukhoi Su-57, better known by its NATO appellation “Felon,” was Russia’s response to the world of fifth-generation stealth fighter planes. On paper, it seemed like a machine designed to match America’s F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II — quick, stealthy, and replete with cutting-edge technology. In real life, however, the tale has been much more brutal. Rather than flying high to greatness, the Su-57 has been beset by delays, shortages, and increasing skepticism about whether it can actually deliver on its promise.
The origins of the project date back to the beginning of the 2000s, when Russia initiated the PAK FA program with the vision of creating a multirole jet that would master the skies, destroy ground targets, and even conduct reconnaissance. Designers had envisioned an aircraft loaded with stealth technologies, lightweight composites, concealed weapon bays, and some of the best avionics Russia ever tried to deploy.
One of its major selling points was agility. Su-57 was designed by engineers to twist and turn with phenomenal maneuverability, while its onboard computer functioned like a virtual co-pilot, assisting pilots in handling threats and workload. Distributed radar arrays were mounted on the airframe to keep vigilant in every direction, providing it with a defensive advantage compared to conventional fighters.
Artificial intelligence was also heavily emphasized. Russian officials billed the jet as having the capability to perform secure communications, real-time data processing, and even rapid tactical suggestions to the pilot. The hope was to provide the Su-57 with a brain and brawn — a plane that would keep its crew ahead of the battle and enhance situational awareness in the fight.
On paper, it was all daunting. The Felon had a top speed of Mach 2, a combat range of over 2,000 miles, and the ability to deliver both hypersonic missiles and precision bombs. Its radar-absorbing design, subtly mixed angles, and inside placement of its engine were all intended to provide it with a stealth advantage, particularly against front-tracking radar systems.
But reality has been much less shiny. Western sanctions have cut Russia off from the high-tech electronics and specialty materials required for real stealth capability. The radar system, initially based on German designs, has perhaps been the most affected sector. Attempts to replace components from alternative sources have proven complex, and analysts remain uncertain whether the plane can reach its original specifications.
Thus, production has crawled. By December 2024, just about 22 planes had entered service, counting prototypes and initial production variants. Schedules for bigger deliveries appear more and more unrealistic. Every Su-57 is now a valuable commodity — so valuable that when one was reportedly destroyed during an attack in the Astrakhan region, it was taken as a major setback for Russia’s fighter project. With parts in short supply and assembly underway, Moscow has relied on its older but more available aircraft, such as the Su-30SM2 and Su-35S, to maintain its air force.
On the battlefield, the Su-57’s track record is thin. In the war in Ukraine, Russia has shown hesitation to risk its small number of planes in disputed skies, afraid of losing one and giving an opponent a propaganda win, as well as revealing the fighter’s secrets. The jet has thus appeared more symbolic than game-changing, while older planes still do most of the heavy lifting.
The export situation isn’t much rosier. Algeria was the first foreign customer, purchasing six Su-57E aircraft with an option for additional purchases later. But aside from that, foreign sales have come to a standstill. India, a former participant in the program, dropped out years ago, frustrated over the stealth performance and avionics of the airplane. Anecdotal glimmerings of teething troubles at air shows also undermined confidence, fueling the speculation that the jet isn’t quite ready for prime time outside of Russia.
The comparison with Western programs is not flattering. America has already constructed more than a thousand F-35s, backed by a giant supply chain and extensive testing. The F-22 and F-35 have demonstrated themselves in combat, defining stealth and sensors. Against that context, the Su-57 still appears more like a prototype than a completed competitor.
Nevertheless, Russia is committed to keeping the program alive. Su-57 is still a showpiece of technological prestige and a declaration of great-power status. Moscow views it as necessary to uphold prestige and keep pace with sophisticated capabilities introduced by other countries. But with sanctions in place, production faltering, and only a few dozen in the skies, the Felon may end up being remembered more for its display rather than as a game-changer. For now, it’s an aircraft that has yet to take off.