Instructor pilot explains why Russians are stopping production of “fifth generation aircraft” Su-57

A pilot instructor explained why the Russians are stopping production of the “fifth-generation aircraft” Su-57 Victoria Grabovskaya

The Russians will stop producing the “pride” of their aviation – the “fifth generation fighter” Su-57. This happened due to the sanctions, because The production of these aircraft is critically dependent on Western components. However, this is not the only reason for the closure of this aircraft project.

Military expert, pilot instructor, and retired Ukrainian Armed Forces Colonel Roman Svitan told Channel 24 about this, noting that not only the countries that had previously intended to purchase the Su-57 had rejected it. Even the Russian army would not use it.

They will focus on producing the Su-34 and Su-35

The Russian Su-57 aircraft does not meet the characteristics of a “fifth-generation fighter” as advertised by the Russians. This is connected, first of all, with the pressure of sanctions.

However, Japan was the first to impose sanctions against Russians about 10 years ago. At that time, Russia wanted to obtain composites (a material that allows, in particular, to create aircraft using stealth technology, thanks to which they become unnoticeable) for domestic consumption.

When Japanese intelligence realized that these materials would be used to produce Su-57 aircraft, they refused to supply them. Therefore, the Su-57 did not turn out to be a “fifth generation aircraft”, in particular, in terms of radio reflection, – the instructor pilot noted.

In addition, the Russians failed to make an engine that would meet the requirements of the “fifth generation” of aircraft.

Because it did not live up to the tactical and technical data of the latest aircraft, it was rejected by the countries that ordered it and even stood in line to buy it, – he emphasized.

Moreover, the Russian army will also reject it. It is very expensive, and in fact it is a well-painted Su-35.

I think the Russian defense industry will write off the Su-57. No one will buy it abroad, and for domestic use it is too expensive and useless, – explained Roman Svitan.

The Russians will probably now focus on the production of the Su-34 and Su-35. However, due to sanctions, some of their performance data will be lower, since Russia cannot manufacture the component base.

Recall that, according to The Telegraph, Russia will stop producing the Su-57, which indicates a serious dependence of the occupiers' military industry on Western components.

Although the Russians manage to purchase the necessary components or use Chinese substitutes through gray schemes, all this requires additional time, effort and money. Therefore, it is likely that the production of the Su-57 has slowed down, and its cost has increased significantly.