CHELYABINSK REGION, Russia — During the “Center-2026” (Centr-2026) strategic command-and-staff exercises held at the Chebarkulsky training ground, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) demonstrated an integrated tactical air-strike package featuring Su-57 “Felon” fifth-generation fighters providing combat air patrol (CAP) and escort coverage for Su-34 “Fullback” strike fighters. According to official reports from the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation published on October 2, 2026, the exercise scenario simulated a high-threat multi-domain operation against advancing mechanized reserves of a simulated adversary.
The exercise comes shortly after United Aircraft Corporation (UAC / Rostec) announced on September 24, 2026, the delivery of a new batch of Su-57 fighters manufactured at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (KnAAZ). Delivered in a updated “new technical configuration,” these airframes incorporate revised sensor systems, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and expanded weapons management software reflecting combat feedback from the Ukrainian theater. During the Chebarkulsky maneuvers, Su-24MR tactical reconnaissance aircraft first identified enemy armored columns, after which Su-57s established an air-defense umbrella over the target corridor, exchanging real-time tactical data via secure data links with the strike element, allowing Su-34s to deliver unguided and standoff air-to-ground ordnance with low interception risk.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: SUKHOI SU-57 “FELON” FIFTH-GENERATION MULTIROLE FIGHTER
* System Classification: 5th-Generation Stealth Multirole Combat Aircraft
* Prime Contractor & Manufacturer: United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) / Sukhoi (KnAAZ Plant, Komsomolsk-on-Amur)
* Operational User: Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS — Operational Fighter Regiments)
* Fleet Status: Batch delivered late September 2026 under updated “new technical configuration” (expanded weapons suite & avionics upgrades)
* Physical & Structural Envelope:
* Overall Length: 19.8 meters (65 ft) | Wingspan: 14.0 meters (45 ft 11 in)
* Empty Weight: ~18,000 kg | Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 35,000 kg (77,160 lbs)
* Internal Payload Architecture: Twin tandem main internal weapons bays & two short-range side weapon bays
* Propulsion & Performance Profile:
* Engine Type: 2x NPO Saturn AL-41F1 (Izdeliye 117) or initial production Izdeliye 30 (AL-51F1) afterburning turbofans w/ 3D thrust-vectoring nozzles
* Maximum Speed: Mach 2.0+ (2,135+ km/h at altitude) | Supercruise Capability: Mach 1.3
* Operational Range: 3,500 km subsonic (unrefueled) | Combat Radius: ~1,500 km
* Design g-Limits: +9.0 g
* Avionics, Sensor Fusion & EW Suite:
* Primary Fire Control Radar: Sh121 / N036 Byelka AESA radar complex (including nose-mounted N036-1-01 X-band array & N036L-1-01 L-band wing-leading-edge slats)
* Optoelectronic Suite: 101KS Atoll Electro-Optical System (incorporating 101KS-V OLS-50M IRST, 101KS-O DIRCM laser countermeasures, and 101KS-U UV missile warning sensors)
* Electronic Warfare: L402 Himalaya EW suite providing integrated RF jamming and radar warning
* Data Sharing & C3: S-111 integrated communications and data-link system for real-time sensor sharing with Su-34/Su-35 platforms and ground command nodes
* Internal Armament Suite:
* Air-to-Air Ordnance: R-77M (30mm internal bay loadout), R-37M (RVV-BD ultra-long range), and R-74M2 short-range infrared missiles
* Air-to-Ground / Standoff Strike: Kh-59MK2 / Kh-69 stealth cruise missiles, Kh-31PD anti-radiation missiles, and Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile derivatives
