Key Points and Summary – While Russia’s Su-57 “Felon” stealth fighter program has been plagued by production struggles, its designed weapons capability is formidable.
-The jet features four internal bays to carry a wide array of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles while maintaining stealth.
Su-57. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
-For non-stealth missions, it can use six external hardpoints to significantly increase its payload.
-Most critically, Russia plans to integrate the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile onto the Su-57, a move that would dramatically increase its threat.
-However, whether Russia can build enough of the jets to matter remains a major question.
The Su-57 Felon Explained
The Su-57 “Felon” is Russia’s first and currently only fifth-generation stealth fighter in service. Designed to compete against the American F-22 and F-35, the Su-57 aims to combine high speed supermaneuverability with state-of-the-art stealth technology.
F-22 Raptor Sitting in AF Museum National Security Journal Photo. Image Credit: Harry J. Kazianis
F-22A Raptor in the Air Force Museum NSJ Photo.
While it has been the subject of much scrutiny from Western analysts, Russia continues its attempts to upgrade the design and performance of the Su-57.
Armament and Weaponry
One aspect of the Su-57 that is often overlooked is its armament. The aircraft is designed to carry a wide variety of weapons, both internally and externally, allowing it to perform a broad range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and suppression of enemy air defenses.
The internal weapon bays are a key feature, enabling the aircraft to maintain stealth while carrying lethal payloads. There are four internal bays: two large ones between the engines for medium and long-range missiles, and two smaller ones near the wing roots for short-range air-to-air missiles.
For air-to-air combat, the Su-57 is equipped with several advanced missile systems. The R-77M, an upgraded version of the R-77, is a medium-range missile with active radar guidance and improved range. It serves as the primary beyond-visual-range (BVR) weapon.
The aircraft also carries the R-74M2, a short-range infrared-guided missile optimized for internal carriage and high off-boresight targeting, making it ideal for dogfighting. Additionally, the Su-57 is expected to field the K-77ME, a next-generation BVR missile with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker, and the K-74M, an advanced infrared missile designed for stealth compatibility.
For Air-to-Surface Engagements
In terms of air-to-ground capabilities, the Su-57 can deploy a range of precision-guided munitions. The Kh-38M is a modular missile family with various guidance options, including laser, infrared, and satellite navigation, suitable for engaging armored vehicles and fortified positions.
The Kh-58UShK is a stealth-compatible anti-radiation missile designed to destroy enemy radar installations, a crucial tool for suppressing air defenses. Another notable weapon is the Kh-59MK2, a cruise missile with a range of up to 300 kilometers, capable of striking hardened ground targets with high precision.
The Su-57 is also compatible with conventional and guided bombs. The FAB-500 series includes unguided bombs, while the KAB-500 series offers laser-guided and satellite-guided variants for precision strikes. These munitions can be carried internally or externally, depending on the mission requirements and the need for stealth.
A Versatile Attack Platform
When stealth is not a priority, the Su-57 can utilize six external hardpoints under its wings and fuselage. These allow the aircraft to carry additional missiles, bombs, or fuel tanks, significantly increasing its payload and operational range.
This flexibility enables the Su-57 to adapt to various combat scenarios, from stealthy deep strikes to high-intensity air patrols.
In addition to its missile and bomb loadouts, the Su-57 is armed with a GSh-30-1 30mm autocannon. This internal cannon is effective in close-range engagements and for strafing ground targets. It provides a reliable backup weapon when missiles are either depleted or unsuitable for the target.
Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter from Russia. Image: Creative Commons.
Su-57 Felon Fighter Russian Ministry of Defense Photo
Russia PAK-FA or Su-57 Felon. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
According to some Russian sources, the Su-57 is expected to integrate hypersonic weapons sometime in the future. It is likely to incorporate the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, a missile capable of reaching speeds over Mach 10.
Although full integration of hypersonic missiles is still under development, the Su-57’s design anticipates such capabilities, positioning it as a platform for next-generation weaponry.
There are also speculative reports about the potential use of electromagnetic or directed energy weapons in future upgrades, though these remain in the conceptual phase.
Design of the Su-57
The Su-57’s design emphasizes low observability, with a stealthy airframe that incorporates radar-absorbing materials and internal weapon bays to reduce radar cross-section. Its twin-engine configuration, powered initially by AL-41F1 engines and eventually by the more advanced Izdeliye 30 engines, allows for supercruise (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners).
The aircraft also features thrust vectoring nozzles, giving it exceptional agility in close-range combat.
Su-27 Flanker Up Close. Image Credit: National Security Journal Taken on July 19, 2025.
Russian Su-27 Flanker from USAF Museum. Image Credit: National Security Journal.
1 Big Problem
Many experts and analysts have criticized the Su-57 for good reasons. However, the Su-57 is still a credible battlefield threat due to its stealth systems and its arsenal, allowing it to perform a wide variety of combat missions.
Russia has struggled immensely in the field of fighter production, yet it remains confident in Su-57’s capabilities. Whether this confidence is warranted is a question only time can answer.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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Steven Conn
July 29, 2025 at 2:16 pm
1. Russia has been producing around 80-100 fighters/fighter -bomber jets per year since 2013 for domestic and export markets. The writer ought to research first. These numbers include Su-35, Su-30SM/SM2, Su-34, Su-57, and Mig-29k/35.
2. Su-57 has been produced at the same rate that the Su-35 had started at: 2, 4-6, then 11-12, per year. In 2024 Russia produced 11 Su-57. This is a normal, regular approach Russia took with Su-35, which eventually saw 24 delivered per year domestically.
3. I have no idea what the author means by “struggled immensely” in terms of numbers. He doesn’t quantify this depiction nor makes a comparable analysis with Russian production in the 2013-2021 period, or with production in France or wider EU for example.