Russia Preparing to Launch Upgraded Su-57 Stealth Fighter?

Russia is preparing to roll out an upgraded version of its stealthy Su-57 jet, signaling a major leap in its fifth-generation combat aircraft program.

The new model, known as the Su-57M1, is powered by the AL-51F1 second-stage engine. A prototype featuring the engine was first revealed in a Russian documentary in late 2024, hinting that testing has entered advanced stages.

The aircraft also features a redesigned flat nozzle, an enhanced AESA radar, and advanced weapons.

The flat nozzle reportedly cuts both radar and infrared visibility, reducing exposure to enemy missiles. Despite the stealth focus, it retains full three-dimensional thrust vectoring, offering greater maneuverability than the U.S. F-22 Raptor’s vertical-only system.

The aircraft is also expected to feature onboard artificial intelligence, a new helmet-mounted targeting system, and next-generation weapons. Its modular design would allow existing Su-57s to be upgraded to the new standard, accelerating deployment.

Russian officials have said the first Su-57 exports could be delivered in 2025.