The Aerospace Forces of Russia had received a “large batch” of new fifth-generation Su-57 fighters, as reported by Russian official media on February 9, 2026, for the first time in over a year. From the factory airfield in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, the aircraft departed on their own and headed to their permanent bases. Nevertheless, the exact number of aircraft delivered has not been disclosed and continues to be a topic of debate both domestically and internationally.
The aircraft have undergone the entire cycle of factory testing and are equipped with updated onboard systems and weapons packages, as stated by official statements. The term “large batch” seems to suggest that the quantity of aircraft is greater than that of previous deliveries.
How many Su-57s have been built? Real Data and Estimates
At present, there is no publicly accessible official data regarding the precise number of Su-57 fighters manufactured for Russia’s Aerospace Forces. Media reports, defense analyses, and indirect information are the main sources of estimates, as the Ministry of Defense does not disclose detailed annual figures.
The following can be calculated from the available data from previous years:
In 2021, approximately three Su-57s were delivered in serial.
In 2022, approximately six aircraft arrived.
In 2023, approximately 12 fighters were transferred.
Analysts predict that the Russian Aerospace Forces may have acquired approximately 42–44 production Su-57s by early 2026, excluding earlier prototypes, based on this pattern.
Approximately ten experimental aircraft had been built prior to 2021. These were employed to evaluate new aerodynamic concepts, avionics, engine configurations, and armaments, including flat nozzle designs. These prototypes were instrumental in the program’s development, despite not being classified as operational units.
Despite the absence of official confirmation, many defense observers are of the opinion that Russia’s operational Su-57 fleet is likely to be in the 40–50 aircraft range.
What is the actual definition of “large batch”?
The term “large batch” has attracted considerable interest due to the fact that previous deliveries were typically tiny, with two to four aircraft being delivered at a time. For instance, in April 2025, media reports indicated that only two Su-57s were delivered, which was deemed standard for the current production phase.
From this standpoint, the term “large group” could conceivably refer to four, six, or eight aircraft; however, the absence of official figures allows for speculation. The language is likely indicative of a relative increase in manufacturing capacity in comparison to standard shipments, rather than a significant surge.
Is the production of the 76-aircraft contract proceeding according to plan?
The only contract that has been officially confirmed involves the delivery of 76 serial Su-57 fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces by 2028. It remains the key benchmark for Russia’s fifth-generation aviation program, having been signed in 2019.
Production appears to be broadly on schedule with the intended timeline if approximately 50 aircraft have already been assembled by 2026. Nevertheless, the ongoing debate among analysts regarding the actual manufacturing rates is worsened by the limited transparency surrounding yearly output.
Su-57E Export Variant: Global Market Entry
The production facility in Komsomolsk-on-Amur has initiated the production of the export version, the Su-57E, in addition to domestic orders.
Algeria became the first foreign operator of the Su-57E fighter when two of them were transferred to the Algerian Air Force in 2025, marking the first confirmed export delivery. The country may ultimately receive approximately 12 aircraft, according to international reports; however, the specifics of the contract have yet to be disclosed.
According to reports, the export model has somewhat reduced capabilities in comparison to the variant that is supplied to Russia’s military, which indirectly suggests that the domestic version is equipped with more sophisticated technologies.
In parallel, negotiations regarding a prospective large-scale agreement with India persist, which may involve as many as 140 Su-57E fighters. Despite the absence of a formal agreement, the ongoing negotiations underscore the continued international interest in Russia’s fifth-generation platform.
Modernization and Engines: The Future of “Izdeliye 177”
The first flight of a Su-57 that was equipped with the sophisticated “Izdeliye 177” engine was one of the most significant technical milestones of late 2025. The purpose of this engine is to replace the first-stage AL-41F1 engines that were previously installed on aircraft.
The new engine is expected to provide fifth-generation fighters with critical features, including increased thrust, improved fuel efficiency, and an extended service life, which are essential for combining speed, stealth, and endurance.
“Izdeliye 177” is also positioned as a unified propulsion system for multiple platforms. In addition to the Su-57 and Su-57E, it is expected that it will be used to power the upcoming Su-75 “Checkmate” light fighter and potentially support modernization initiatives for older aircraft in the Su-27 family. This will simplify logistics and reduce operating costs.
Future Prospects: Continuous Platform Development
The Su-57 program is progressing in a number of parallel directions.
Initially, the state defense order continues to be fulfilled, with operational experience-based enhancements being implemented. It is anticipated that these enhancements will increase the efficacy and survivability of combat.
Secondly, there is an increase in the momentum of export initiatives. The Su-57E’s introduction and the potential for significant international contracts could potentially generate new revenue streams and fortify Russia’s aerospace industry.
Third, the aircraft’s evolution is fundamentally influenced by ongoing technical refinement, particularly in the area of engines. The “Izdeliye 30” (AL-51F1) engine, which is even more advanced, is currently under development. Its expected performance is comparable to that of early sixth-generation capabilities, according to certain analysts. The anticipated advantages include expanded weapons integration, enhanced stealth compatibility, and increased propulsion.
A program that is gaining momentum
Collectively, these developments indicate that the Su-57 continues to be a critical component of Russia’s airpower strategy for the next generation. The program is progressively gaining momentum, as evidenced by the steady flow of deliveries, expanding export ambitions, and continuous technological upgrades, despite the partial obscurity of production numbers.
Sustained industrial output, engine maturation, and geopolitical dynamics will determine whether the aircraft ultimately achieves a large-scale deployment that is comparable to Western fifth-generation fighters. At present, the introduction of another “large batch” indicates that Russia is making progress with its flagship stealth fighter, as it seeks to establish a firm foothold in the constantly changing global military aviation landscape.