Twin-seat Su-57 for export market

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Sukhoi Design Bureau are eyeing to develop a twin-seat version of the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fifth generation fighter primarily intended for the export market.

This was reported by Yuri Borisov, Russian Deputy Prime Minister, during his working trip on Wednesday 16 June 2021 to the Primorsky Krai, a federal sunject of Russia loacted in the Far East Region.

According to Borisov, the interest in the type on the market is steadily growing and Russia must already think about expanding the export possibilities after the demands of the Russian Federation - Aerospace Forces (RF VKS) have been fulfilled.

A twin-seater version should create additional demand for the type. This has already been indicated by Aleksandr Mikheev, general director of Rosoboronexport, who has mentioned that five countries in Southeast Asia are showing interest in the Su-57.

Currently, the Su-57 that was ordered by Russia is powered by a pair of Izd.117 turbofans. By the end of 2024, the RF VKS shall have 22 Su-57 fighters and the total amount of 76 aircraft is planned to be delivered by 2028.

Photo (just illustrative) by Dmitry Shirenin via Russianplanes.net