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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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How It Works • Military Aviation

Sukhoi Su-57

The Sukhoi Su-57 is a Russian twin-engine, single-seat, fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

The Sukhoi Su-57 is a Russian fifth-generation twin-engine multirole fighter, known by the NATO reporting name Felon. It entered service in December 2020 after a long development under the PAK FA programme.

What it is

The Su-57 is a single-seat, low-observable aircraft designed for air superiority and strike missions. It first flew in January 2010 and uses advanced avionics and stealth shaping, though its exact stealth capabilities compared to Western fighters are debated.

Key details

The aircraft has a subsonic range of about 3,500 km and a supersonic range of about 1,500 km. Public estimates of the number in service vary, with one source listing 32 produced and others reporting fewer than 40 as of recent counts.

Why it matters

The Su-57 is Russia's most prominent fifth-generation fighter and often appears in discussions of NATO-Russia airpower, Arctic security, and comparisons with the F-22 and F-35 used by Canada's allies.

In short

  • Fifth-generation multirole fighter with low-observable design.
  • Entered service in December 2020; first flight in January 2010.
  • Range: ~3,500 km subsonic, ~1,500 km supersonic.
  • Production numbers are low and vary by source.
Canadian angle

Canadian aviation and defence readers may encounter the Su-57 in discussions of NATO-Russia airpower, Arctic security, and comparisons with Western fifth-generation fighters used by Canada’s allies.

Quick questions

What is the Su-57?
The Su-57 is a Russian fifth-generation, twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi.
Is the Su-57 stealth?
Yes, it is generally described as a stealth or low-observable fighter, though sources differ on how advanced its stealth is compared with U.S. aircraft.
How many Su-57 does Russia have?
Public estimates vary by source, and recent figures are not always official. One source listed 32 produced, while other reports say fewer than 40 had been built as of the time of reporting.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-57
    Supports: Basic identification, program background, first flight, and commonly cited range figures.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/Sukhoi-Su-57
    Supports: General description as a Russian twin-engine multirole combat aircraft and first flight in 2010.
  3. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxBsBi5OVBM
    Supports: Secondary report stating that fewer than 40 Su-57s had been built.
  4. GlobalMilitary.net — https://www.globalmilitary.net/aircraft/su-57-felon/
    Supports: Estimated production count, operational range, and service entry date.
  5. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQcTxG5AS0
    Supports: Statement that the first serial Su-57 entered service on 25 December 2020.
  6. KÜRE Encyclopedia — https://kureansiklopedi.com/en/detay/sukhoi-su-57-01a6e
    Supports: Description as a fifth-generation low-observable fighter and first operational Russian stealth fighter.