While only three countries have introduced fifth-generation fighters, the race to develop next-generation models is already underway by at least nine nations.
Today, the American F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning IIs, the Chinese Chengdu J-20 and the Russian Su-57s are the most modern fighter platforms to fly the skies.
Although the terms “fifth and sixth-generation” are not formally defined, these labels are generally given to aircraft that feature different designs than fourth-generation predecessors and obtain stealth features. Last year, the Director General of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) revealed that the country will use its current Su-57 fighter as a stepping stone to build its sixth-generation airframe.
According to Russian-state media outlet TASS, the Su-57-derived fighter will feature “a network-centric system associated with drones, space and ground systems.”
“This is actually a splendid plane and it can embrace both fifth-and sixth-generation features. It has huge modernization potential,” the head of the Russian Aerospace Force, Viktor Bondarev, said. “Importantly, it is the best among the existing versions by its stealth characteristics. It incorporates all the best that is available in modern aviation science both in Russia and in the world,” he added. Despite the Kremlin’s claims that its Su-57 jet is a fifth-generation platform, however, some analysts are not as convinced the Felon is deserving of that label.
The Su-57 “Felon,” specs and capabilities
Development of the Su-57 dates back to the 1970’s, when the Soviet Union outlined its need for a next-generation fighter to eventually replace the Su-27. Following the collapse of the USSR, however, the new Russian government created the PAK FA program to produce a singular fifth-generation airframe that could replace the MiG-29 in addition to the Su-27. By 2007, Indian joined the PAK FA program, hoping to create a joint product with Russia. Within a decade, the Indian government departed from the program. Some analysts speculate India’s departure suggests that the PAK FA program was not producing a jet stealthy enough to compete with its counterparts. Russia continued the program, however, ultimately producing the first Su-57s a few years later. While the Felon does sport greater abilities than its predecessors, it is simply not as stealth as its American counterparts. For instance, the Su-57 possesses a radar cross-section around .1-1 meters. The F-22, comparably, has a radar cross-section between .0001-.0002.
Today, Russia is reportedly working on the Su-57’s new “stealth killer” air-to-air missile,” which is intended to elevate the fighter’s capabilities. The new small-to-medium missile is derived from the R-77 series of missiles that are fitted on the Su-57. According to Russian media reports, the new missile is currently undergoing trials. In addition to this “stealth killer,” Moscow is developing a carrier-capable Felon variant as well as active-homing anti-ship missiles.
Despite Russia’s grandiose claims surrounding the Felon and the potential for a next-generation variant, less than eighty Su-57s are believed to be in service today. Considering the lack of resources Moscow is working with amidst its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, an increased production timeline from this airframe or any other piece of military equipment for that matter does not seem like a possibility.
Maya Carlin, a Senior Editor for 19FortyFive, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin.
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