Sukhoi-57 jet ready, to be unveiled soon

New Delhi, August 16

Russia will unveil its Sukhoi-57 fighter jet this month-end. India is a major user of Russian military equipment.

Rosoboronexport, the export arm of Rostec State Corporation, on Friday said it would make presentations of the Russia’s latest combat and transport aircraft at MAKS-2019 (international air show), scheduled to be held from August 27 to September 1.

The Su-57E fighter and the IL-112VE military transport will be centre pieces. “Both planes have received the necessary export permits,” Rosoboronexport said in emailed communiqué.

India already uses Sukhoi 30-MKI jets, besides the IL 76 and IL 78 transport planes.

“Rosoboronexport is ready, at the request of foreign partners, to present these aircraft and turn a new page in promoting state-of-the-art aircraft systems in the world market,” the communiqué said, citing Alexander Mikheev, Rosoboronexport’s Director General and Deputy Chairman of the Russian Engineering Union.

The Su-57E is a fifth-generation multi-role aircraft system designed to accomplish a wide range of missions against air, ground and surface targets. It can be used in any weather, day or night, and in a severe jamming environment. At present, the only other flying fifth generation fighter jet is F22 produced by US company Lockheed Martin.

The SU-57E uses a high degree of automation and artificial intelligence technologies for target engagement processes. The IL-112VE light military transport aircraft is the export version of the Il-112V developed for the Russian Air Force. — TNS