Plant Modernization for Production of Su-57 fighter won't be ready until 2024

The modernization of Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant (KnAAZ) for the serial production of Su-57 fighters will be completed by 2024.

"Under the program of re-armament for a fifth-generation aircraft, all the planned facilities should be commissioned by 2024," deputy general director of Sukhoi - director of KnAAZ Alexander Pekarsh said during an interview with the factory newspaper Wings of the Soviets.

According to him, the plant is systematically equipping the assembly and assembly shops with additional stands and equipment for assembly, including unique swivel slipways designed specifically for the construction of the Su-57.

"As part of the implementation of the state contract for the production of Su-57 aircraft until 2028, serial production is being deployed in the KnAAZ workshops. From 2021, it is planned to increase the pace of construction of fifth-generation winged aircraft," Pekarsh added.

The Su-57 was developed by the Sukhoi company (part of the UAC) and is produced at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (KnAAZ). This is a fifth-generation multipurpose fighter designed to destroy all types of air targets in long-range and close-range battles, defeat ground and surface targets of the enemy and overcome air defense systems. Its maiden flight took place on January 29, 2010.

The first serial Su-57 was planned to be handed over to the Russian Ministry of Defense at the end of 2019 but the jet crashed during a test flight on the eve of delivery.

The Russian military is expected to receive 76 Su-57 fighters by 2028.