Russia increase Su-57 production has once again made global headlines as the country delivered a fresh batch of its fifth-generation stealth fighters. Despite ongoing production delays, sanctions, and global supply chain issues, Russia’s aerospace industry is pushing forward — aiming to modernize the Russian Air Force while strengthening its footprint in the global defense market, especially with partners like India.
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New Su-57 Fighters Spotted — Signs of Production Momentum
In early April 2025, aviation enthusiasts spotted two brand-new Su-57 stealth jets — tail numbers 25 Red (RF-81796) and 26 Red (RF-81797) — during what appeared to be a transfer flight to a Russian airbase. Though no official statement was released by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) or the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), the clean paintwork and sequential numbering confirm these are newly manufactured units.
This delivery marks a significant step as Russia increase Su-57 production, showing clear intent to meet both domestic defence demands and export opportunities.
Why Su-57 is Key to Russia’s Military Modernisation
The Su-57 Felon is not just another fighter jet — it’s Russia’s answer to American platforms like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Designed for stealth, supermaneuverability, and advanced electronic warfare, the Su-57 plays a central role in Russia’s push to modernise its air superiority fleet.
For Russia, especially after the lessons learned during the Ukraine conflict, a strong fleet of Su-57 fighters ensures better air dominance, long-range strike capabilities, and multirole versatility.
Production Struggles: Sanctions and Supply Chain Disruptions
While the Su-57 boasts impressive specs, its production journey hasn’t been smooth. The Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (KnAAZ), the main manufacturer, has faced bottlenecks due to economic sanctions, component shortages, and technical complexities.
After the Ukraine war, Western sanctions hit Russian defence giants like Rostec, UAC, and KnAAZ, slowing deliveries and making it difficult to fulfil the contract for 76 Su-57 aircraft by 2027.
Expansion Plans: New Factories and Increased Output
Despite challenges, Russia is determined to ramp up production. United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has begun constructing new facilities at KnAAZ to double production and reduce delivery delays.
In February 2025, at Aero India 2025, UAC CEO Vadim Badekha confirmed that Russia plans to expand batch production throughout the year. This move is not only about meeting Russian Air Force orders but also making the Su-57 export-ready for partners like India.
Russia Increases Su-57 Production: Global Export Strategy
Su-57’s Growing Appeal to International Buyers
Russia’s decision to increase Su-57 production is partly driven by export ambitions. Showcased at Aero India 2025 and Brazil’s LAAD 2025, the Su-57 has become a centrepiece in Russia’s arms export plans.
For countries like India seeking a capable and cost-effective fifth-generation fighter jet, the Su-57 features advanced stealth technology, high survivability, and long-range strike capabilities, all while being competitively priced compared to Western jets.
India’s Interest in Su-57: Make in India and Tech Transfer
Russia has sweetened the deal for India by offering technology transfer and joint production options, which could allow India to build Su-57s locally, leveraging its Su-30mki assembly lines and existing industrial infrastructure.
This partnership would not only save costs but also align with India’s Make in India initiative and defence self-reliance goals, making the Su-57 program even more attractive to the Indian Air Force.
Future-Proof Design: Open Architecture and Upgrades
The Su-57’s open architecture design is one of its strongest features. As Russia increase Su-57 production, engineers plan regular upgrades without major airframe redesigns.
Expected future improvements include:
- AI-assisted avionics
- Upgraded Product 30 engines
- Enhanced integration with unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
These upgrades ensure that the Su-57 remains competitive against modern threats for years to come.
Combat-Proven Fighter: Lessons from the Ukraine Conflict
Even before mass deliveries, the Su-57 has seen real-world deployment. Used in stand-off missile strikes and combat patrols, the Su-57 gave Russia valuable insights into operational performance.
Despite reports of at least one Su-57 being lost to a Ukrainian drone attack, the experience allowed engineers to patch weaknesses and fine-tune the jet’s defence systems, making it more reliable for future buyers like India.
Russia Increase Su-57 Production: A Golden Opportunity for India
India and Russia share decades of successful defence collaboration — from Mig-21s to the Su-30mki. Now, as Russia increase Su-57 production, it opens doors for a deeper partnership centred on fifth-generation fighter technology.
If India proceeds with the Su-57, it could replicate the same model of local assembly and tech transfer, strengthening its defence industrial base while securing timely deliveries.
Conclusion: Russia Increase Su-57 Production Unlocks Global Defence Potential
In summary, Russia’s increase in Su-57 production isn’t just a milestone for its aerospace industry but also a strategic pivot toward securing global defence contracts and modernising its air force.
For India, this is a rare window of opportunity to acquire an advanced, combat-tested, fifth-generation fighter at a favourable price point, with the added benefit of technology transfer and domestic assembly.
The global defence landscape is evolving fast, and as Russia increase Su-57 production, both Moscow and New Delhi stand to gain from deepening cooperation.
FAQs
Q1: Why is Russia increasing Su-57 production in 2025?
Russia is increasing Su-57 production to strengthen its air superiority, fulfill domestic orders for the Russian Air Force, and expand its global export reach, particularly offering the fifth-generation stealth fighter to nations like India.
Q2: What makes the Su-57 Felon different from other fighter jets?
The Su-57 combines advanced stealth technology, super manoeuvrability, electronic warfare systems, and open architecture design, making it a competitive alternative to Western fifth-generation jets like the F-35.
Q3: Is India interested in purchasing the Su-57 fighter jet?
Yes, India has shown consistent interest in the Su-57, especially after Russia offered tech transfer and local production opportunities, aligning perfectly with India’s Make in India and air defence modernisation plans.
Q4: How many Su-57 aircraft is Russia planning to produce?
Russia aims to deliver at least 76 Su-57 stealth fighters to its air force by 2027, while expanding batch production to meet future export orders from friendly nations.
Q5: Has the Su-57 been used in real combat?
Yes, the Su-57 has been deployed in the Ukraine conflict for stand-off missile strikes and patrol missions, giving it valuable combat-proven status despite the program’s early-phase limitations.