Two newly built Su-57 Felon fifth-generation fighter jets have been photographed in transit, raising speculation that Russia is expanding its fleet of advanced combat aircraft. The images, which surfaced on Russian-language defense forums and social media earlier this week, show aircraft marked “Red 25” and “Red 26″—indications that these are recent additions to Russia’s modest inventory of operational Su-57s.
Though the state-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has made no formal announcement, the fresh markings and pristine appearance of the aircraft suggest they are straight from the production line and are likely en route to an active duty airbase.
This visual evidence comes at a time when Moscow is facing significant military and industrial pressures. Russia’s defense sector, strained by Western sanctions and wartime demand, is under growing scrutiny as the conflict in Ukraine continues to drain matériel and manpower. The appearance of new Su-57s may signal that Russia is attempting to revive or accelerate its fifth-generation fighter program.
The Su-57, Russia’s answer to American fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, has had a long and rocky road to operational readiness. Developed by Sukhoi and produced by UAC, the Su-57 was initially intended to be a game-changer for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). The aircraft features stealth shaping, advanced avionics, supercruise capabilities, and integrated electronic warfare systems.
However, since its maiden flight in 2010, the program has been marred by delays, technical setbacks, and production bottlenecks. One of the most critical challenges has been engine reliability. Most Su-57s in current service are equipped with a transitional powerplant known as the AL-41F1, rather than the more advanced “Izdeliye 30” engine originally intended for the platform. Issues with radar-absorbent materials, sensor fusion, and onboard electronics have further slowed progress.
To date, estimates suggest that fewer than two dozen Su-57s have entered active service, many of them limited to testing and training roles. Some were reportedly used in limited operational scenarios in Syria and Ukraine, but with mixed results and minimal strategic impact.
The newly spotted jets, Red 25 and Red 26, were photographed during what appears to be a transfer flight—a routine move when newly built aircraft are delivered to frontline units. The aircraft bore a high-gloss finish and standardized VKS markings, which defense analysts interpret as indicators of recent manufacture. Notably, these jets appear to feature subtle structural refinements, possibly linked to feedback from earlier deployment or flight testing.
Photos suggest updates in the airframe’s forward fuselage and wing root areas—potentially related to improved radar cross-section reduction or structural reinforcement. These details align with unconfirmed reports that UAC has been rolling out incremental upgrades to the platform as part of its low-rate initial production strategy.
Russia’s renewed push to deliver Su-57s comes amid a challenging environment for its defense industry. Western sanctions have constrained access to critical electronic components and manufacturing tools. Additionally, the prolonged war in Ukraine has forced a reallocation of industrial resources, prioritizing artillery, drones, and armored vehicles over advanced aviation platforms.
Yet the timing of these new aircraft deliveries may not be coincidental. With Ukraine preparing for a renewed counteroffensive and NATO continuing to bolster its eastern flank, Moscow is under pressure to demonstrate strength and technological progress. Even symbolic gestures—like showcasing two pristine Su-57s—can serve both domestic propaganda and international messaging purposes.
Furthermore, Russia has faced criticism over its limited deployment of the Su-57 in Ukraine. Unlike the U.S., which extensively fields its F-35 fleet, Russia has kept its fifth-gen fighters largely away from frontline combat. The reasons range from risk aversion (to avoid losses of high-value assets) to technical immaturity. New deliveries may be a sign that this cautious approach is changing.
There has been ongoing speculation about when—or if—the Su-57 program would transition to full-rate serial production. Initial plans projected 76 aircraft by the end of the decade, but that timeline has already slipped. The appearance of Red 25 and Red 26, however, hints at movement toward ramping up output.
Sources close to the Russian defense sector indicate that the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAPO), the main production facility, has been working under intensified government directives to meet revised delivery targets. The plant has reportedly expanded its workforce and adjusted its procurement network to substitute sanctioned components with domestic alternatives. Though this localization effort is still in progress, it may be bearing fruit.
Additionally, unconfirmed leaks suggest that recent Su-57 units are being produced with partially integrated next-generation engines and upgraded radar systems, setting the stage for more robust operational testing.
The addition of two new Su-57s, while modest in numbers, could have outsized symbolic impact. For the VKS, which has suffered aircraft losses in Ukraine and logistical strain across multiple theaters, any high-tech reinforcement is welcome.
Moreover, the presence of more operational Su-57s offers new options for both defensive and offensive air missions. While unlikely to be a game-changer on their own, their enhanced sensor suites, stealth capabilities, and networked command features could allow them to act as force multipliers—coordinating with fourth-generation aircraft and long-range missile systems.
The jets may also be used as platforms for testing and integrating future weapons, including hypersonic air-to-air or air-to-ground systems. Russia has already trialed limited air-launched hypersonic munitions, such as the Kinzhal, from other platforms, and the Su-57 could eventually be adapted for similar missions.
Internationally, the Su-57 has been positioned as a counterweight to Western dominance in the fifth-gen fighter space. Russia has pitched the aircraft to countries like India, Algeria, and Vietnam, though export deals have not materialized at scale.
Part of the challenge has been credibility. With limited operational history and a troubled development cycle, the Su-57 has struggled to compete with the F-35, which has established a wide global customer base. However, successful delivery and deployment of newer units could revive interest.
Some observers believe that Russia’s secondary goal is to use the Su-57 as a technology demonstrator and prestige project, rather than a mass-produced combat workhorse. By maintaining a small but modern fleet, Moscow can claim parity in high-end aerospace capabilities while avoiding the financial and logistical burdens of large-scale deployment.
The appearance of Red 25 and Red 26 in flight marks a rare and noteworthy development in Russia’s fifth-generation fighter program. While the scale remains limited and many technical challenges persist, the delivery of new aircraft suggests an effort to breathe life into a program long hampered by delays and doubt.
Whether these new jets will see combat use or remain part of a carefully curated fleet is yet to be seen. But their emergence—at a time of war, sanctions, and geopolitical tension—sends a clear message: Russia is not giving up on its high-tech military ambitions.
As the conflict in Ukraine grinds on and the global defense landscape shifts, the Su-57’s role in Moscow’s strategic calculus may only grow. With each new unit, the question becomes not just how capable the aircraft is, but what its deployment says about Russia’s future in modern warfare.
