Sukhoi Su-57 Exposed: The Ultimate Guide to Russia’s Stealth Superfighter, Specs, Costs, and Global Rivals

• Global Demand and Positioning of the Sukhoi Su-57
• Cutting-Edge Innovations and Stealth Features
• How the Su-57 Stacks Up Against International Fighters
• Projected Production and Market Expansion
• Key Markets and Geopolitical Hotspots
• What’s Next for the Su-57 and Stealth Aviation
• Barriers, Breakthroughs, and Strategic Prospects
• Sources & References

“Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighters in flight during a demonstration.” (source)

Global Demand and Positioning of the Sukhoi Su-57

The Sukhoi Su-57, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter, represents Moscow’s answer to Western air superiority platforms like the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Designed by Sukhoi and produced by United Aircraft Corporation, the Su-57 aims to combine stealth, supermaneuverability, advanced avionics, and multirole capabilities. Its development, however, has been marked by delays, cost overruns, and shifting global demand.

• Full Specs: The Su-57 features a composite-heavy airframe, internal weapons bays, and radar-absorbent materials to reduce its radar cross-section. It is powered by twin Saturn AL-41F1 engines (with the more advanced Izdeliye 30 engine in development), enabling supercruise at Mach 1.6 and a top speed of Mach 2. Its avionics suite includes the N036 Byelka AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and sensor fusion capabilities. The fighter can carry a mix of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles, with a combat radius of approximately 1,500 km (Janes).
• Costs: The Su-57’s unit cost is estimated at $35–$40 million, significantly lower than the F-35’s $80 million price tag. However, this figure does not account for the smaller production scale and potential cost increases due to limited export orders (Defense News).
• Rival Showdown: In direct comparison, the Su-57 offers superior kinematic performance and agility, but lags behind the F-22 and F-35 in stealth, sensor integration, and network-centric warfare. China’s J-20, meanwhile, is rapidly improving and has seen greater production numbers. The Su-57’s export prospects are further hampered by Western sanctions and concerns over technology transfer (The War Zone).
• Global Demand and Positioning: As of mid-2024, Russia has inducted fewer than 20 Su-57s, with plans to field 76 by 2028. Export interest has been tepid; India withdrew from the joint FGFA program, and potential buyers like Algeria and Vietnam remain cautious. The Su-57’s global positioning is thus more symbolic—demonstrating Russia’s technological ambitions—than commercially dominant (Reuters).

In summary, the Su-57 is a formidable platform on paper, but its limited production, export challenges, and technological gaps relative to Western and Chinese rivals constrain its global impact.

Cutting-Edge Innovations and Stealth Features

The Sukhoi Su-57, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter, represents a significant leap in the nation’s military aviation capabilities. Designed to rival the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the Su-57 combines advanced stealth, supermaneuverability, and multirole versatility. Its development, however, has been marked by delays and evolving specifications, making its true capabilities a subject of global scrutiny.

• Stealth and Airframe: The Su-57 employs a blended wing-body design with radar-absorbent materials and internal weapons bays to minimize radar cross-section. While not as stealthy as its American counterparts, it incorporates innovative features such as serrated engine nozzles and radar blockers. The aircraft’s estimated radar cross-section is reportedly between 0.1 and 1 square meter, compared to the F-22’s 0.0001 square meters (The Drive).
• Avionics and Sensors: The Su-57 is equipped with the N036 Byelka AESA radar, distributed across multiple arrays for 360-degree coverage, and an advanced infrared search and track (IRST) system. Its avionics suite supports sensor fusion, electronic warfare, and network-centric operations, aiming to match Western standards (Janes).
• Engines and Performance: Powered by twin Saturn AL-41F1 engines (with the more advanced Izdeliye 30 engines in development), the Su-57 achieves supercruise at Mach 1.6 and a top speed of Mach 2. Its thrust-vectoring nozzles enable extreme agility, a hallmark of Russian fighter design (AeroTime).
• Armament: The Su-57 carries up to 10 missiles internally and externally, including the R-77M air-to-air missile and Kh-59MK2 cruise missile. It is also expected to deploy hypersonic weapons in the future (The Drive).
• Cost and Production: The unit cost is estimated at $35–$40 million, significantly lower than the F-35’s $80 million price tag. However, only around 10 serial production Su-57s have been delivered as of early 2024, with plans to field 76 by 2028 (Defense News).

While the Su-57 lags behind Western rivals in stealth and production scale, its blend of agility, advanced sensors, and cost-effectiveness ensures it remains a formidable contender in the global fighter arena.

How the Su-57 Stacks Up Against International Fighters

The Sukhoi Su-57, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter, is designed to rival Western counterparts like the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, as well as China’s J-20. Developed by Sukhoi and entering limited service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2020, the Su-57 aims to combine stealth, supermaneuverability, and advanced avionics. Here’s how it compares on key metrics:

• Stealth and Airframe: The Su-57 features a blended wing-body design and radar-absorbent materials, but Western analysts suggest its radar cross-section (RCS) is larger than that of the F-22 or F-35, potentially making it less stealthy (The Drive). Its RCS is estimated at 0.1–1 m², compared to the F-22’s 0.0001 m².
• Engines and Performance: The Su-57 is powered by Saturn AL-41F1 engines, with the more advanced Izdeliye 30 engines expected in future variants. It boasts a top speed of Mach 2 and supercruise capability, similar to the F-22. Its thrust-vectoring nozzles provide exceptional agility, a hallmark of Russian fighter design (Janes).
• Avionics and Sensors: The Su-57 is equipped with the N036 Byelka AESA radar, L-band wing radars, and advanced electronic warfare systems. While impressive, Western sources argue its sensor fusion and data-link capabilities lag behind the F-35’s network-centric warfare suite (Air & Space Forces Magazine).
• Armament: The Su-57 carries a mix of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles, including the R-77M and Kh-59MK2, in internal bays and on external hardpoints. Its 30mm cannon and hypersonic missile compatibility offer versatility (AIN Online).
• Cost and Production: The Su-57’s unit cost is estimated at $35–$40 million, significantly lower than the F-35 ($80 million) or F-22 (over $150 million), but production remains slow, with fewer than 20 delivered as of early 2024 (Defense News).

In summary, the Su-57 offers a blend of advanced features and affordability, but faces challenges in stealth and production scale compared to its Western and Chinese rivals. Its future impact will depend on technological upgrades and Russia’s ability to ramp up manufacturing.

Projected Production and Market Expansion

The Sukhoi Su-57, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter, is central to Moscow’s ambitions to modernize its air force and compete with Western rivals like the U.S. F-35 and China’s J-20. As of mid-2024, the Su-57 program is transitioning from limited serial production to a more robust manufacturing phase, with significant implications for both domestic deployment and potential export markets.

• Production Projections: The Russian Ministry of Defense has contracted for 76 Su-57s to be delivered by 2028, with 22 aircraft expected by the end of 2024 (DefenseWorld). As of June 2024, estimates suggest that 20-22 units have been delivered, with production rates gradually increasing as supply chain and technical hurdles are addressed (The Drive).
• Cost Analysis: The unit cost of the Su-57 is estimated at $35–40 million, significantly lower than the F-35’s $80 million price tag (AeroTime). However, analysts note that this figure may not include the full suite of avionics and weapons, and costs could rise as more advanced variants are produced.
• Export Potential: Russia is actively marketing the Su-57 to countries such as India, Algeria, and Vietnam. While no firm export contracts have been signed as of June 2024, negotiations are ongoing, and the aircraft’s lower price point is a key selling factor (Defense News).
• Market Expansion Challenges: Sanctions, technology transfer concerns, and the Su-57’s relatively unproven combat record have slowed international uptake. Additionally, the global market for fifth-generation fighters is highly competitive, with the F-35 dominating NATO and allied air forces (FlightGlobal).

In summary, the Su-57’s production is ramping up, with Russia aiming to field a credible stealth fleet by the end of the decade. While cost advantages and aggressive marketing may open doors abroad, the aircraft faces stiff competition and geopolitical headwinds in the global fighter market.

Key Markets and Geopolitical Hotspots

The Sukhoi Su-57, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter, has become a focal point in global defense markets and geopolitical flashpoints. Designed to rival the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the Su-57 combines advanced stealth, supermaneuverability, and multirole capabilities. Its emergence is reshaping military balances, particularly in regions where Russia seeks to expand its influence or counter Western alliances.

• Key Markets:
  • Russia: The Russian Aerospace Forces remain the primary operator, with plans to acquire up to 76 units by 2028 (Defense News).
  • Export Prospects: India was initially a partner in the FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) program but withdrew in 2018. However, Russia continues to market the Su-57 to countries like Algeria, Vietnam, and Turkey, though no confirmed export orders exist as of mid-2024 (Janes).
  • Middle East & Asia-Pacific: The Su-57 is pitched as a cost-effective alternative to Western stealth fighters, appealing to nations facing U.S. or EU arms embargoes.
• Geopolitical Hotspots:
  • Ukraine Conflict: The Su-57 has reportedly been deployed in limited roles, primarily for standoff missile launches, highlighting Russia’s caution in risking its most advanced assets (The Drive).
  • Asia-Pacific Tensions: The Su-57’s potential deployment in the Far East is seen as a counterbalance to U.S. and allied air power in the region.
• Full Specs & Costs:
  • Top speed: Mach 2.0; range: 3,500 km; advanced avionics and radar-evading design.
  • Unit cost: Estimated $35–$40 million, significantly undercutting Western rivals (AeroTime).
• Rival Showdown:
  • Compared to the F-35 and J-20, the Su-57 offers superior agility but lags in stealth and sensor fusion (Forbes).

In summary, the Su-57’s deployment and marketing are closely tied to Russia’s strategic ambitions, with its performance and export success likely to influence future power dynamics in several key regions.

What’s Next for the Su-57 and Stealth Aviation

The Sukhoi Su-57, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter, represents Moscow’s answer to Western air dominance. Designed to rival the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the Su-57 (NATO reporting name: Felon) combines stealth, supermaneuverability, and advanced avionics. As of 2024, the Su-57 program is transitioning from limited serial production to broader deployment, with the Russian Air Force reportedly receiving around 10 operational units and plans to field up to 76 by 2028 (Janes).

• Full Specs:
  • Engines: Twin Saturn AL-41F1 (with future integration of the more powerful Izdeliye 30)
  • Maximum Speed: Mach 2.0
  • Combat Radius: ~1,500 km
  • Stealth Features: Radar-absorbent materials, internal weapons bays, reduced radar cross-section
  • Avionics: AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare suite, sensor fusion
  • Armament: Up to 10 air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, 30mm cannon
• Costs: The Su-57’s unit cost is estimated at $35–$40 million, significantly lower than the F-35’s $80 million price tag (AeroTime). However, analysts note that lower costs may reflect compromises in stealth coatings, sensors, and production scale.
• Rival Showdown:
  • F-22 Raptor: Superior stealth and sensor fusion, but no longer in production
  • F-35 Lightning II: Advanced networking, global support, and proven combat record
  • Chengdu J-20 (China): Comparable stealth, but less maneuverable than Su-57
  • Su-57: Excels in agility and speed, but lags in stealth and sensor integration compared to U.S. rivals (The Drive).

Looking ahead, the Su-57’s future hinges on overcoming production bottlenecks, integrating next-generation engines, and securing export orders. While it offers a formidable mix of speed and agility, its stealth and avionics still trail Western benchmarks. The global stealth fighter race remains fierce, with Russia banking on iterative upgrades and potential foreign sales to keep the Su-57 relevant in the evolving landscape of air combat (Defense News).

Barriers, Breakthroughs, and Strategic Prospects

Sukhoi Su-57: Russia’s Stealth Superfighter Unmasked – Full Specs, Costs, and Rival Showdown

The Sukhoi Su-57, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter, represents a significant leap in the nation’s military aviation capabilities. However, its journey has been marked by formidable barriers, notable breakthroughs, and evolving strategic prospects as it contends with Western rivals like the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

• Barriers: The Su-57 program has faced persistent challenges, including technological hurdles, funding constraints, and international sanctions. Engine development has been a particular bottleneck; the aircraft currently flies with the AL-41F1 engine, with the more advanced Izdeliye 30 engine still in testing (The Drive). Production delays have limited fleet size, with only around 10 serial aircraft delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces as of early 2024 (Janes).
• Breakthroughs: Despite setbacks, the Su-57 boasts advanced features: stealth shaping, supercruise capability, and a suite of next-generation avionics. Its avionics include the N036 Byelka AESA radar and advanced electronic warfare systems. The fighter is designed for multirole operations, with internal weapons bays and compatibility with hypersonic missiles (Airforce Technology).
• Strategic Prospects: The Su-57’s export potential remains uncertain. India withdrew from the joint FGFA project, and other international buyers have yet to materialize, partly due to concerns over cost, performance, and political risk (Defense News). Domestically, Russia aims to field 76 Su-57s by 2028, but Western sanctions and supply chain issues may impede this goal (Reuters).

Full Specs and Costs: The Su-57 is 20.1 meters long, with a wingspan of 14.1 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 35,000 kg. It can reach speeds up to Mach 2 and has a combat radius of 1,500 km. Unit costs are estimated at $35–40 million, significantly lower than the F-35’s $80 million price tag (AeroTime).

Rival Showdown: While the Su-57 offers impressive specs, it lags behind the F-22 and F-35 in stealth, sensor fusion, and operational maturity. Its limited production and deployment further constrain its impact on the global fighter landscape (Forbes).

Sources & References

• Sukhoi Su-57: Russia’s Stealth Superfighter Unmasked – Full Specs, Costs, and Rival Showdown
• Janes
• Defense News
• The Drive
• AeroTime
• Air & Space Forces Magazine
• AIN Online
• DefenseWorld
• FlightGlobal
• Forbes
• Airforce Technology