Su-57 Fighter Jet Tipped as Drone Command Hub
16:56 05.06.2026 (Updated: 17:20 05.06.2026)
© Sputnik / Nina Padalko
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Russia’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft Su-57 is capable of serving as an airborne command and control hub for unmanned aerial vehicles, state defence corporation Rostec says.
“Su-57 is a highly intelligent aircraft capable of acting as an airborne command centre, including for unmanned aerial vehicles. The aircraft also has a wide range of modern and advanced weaponry,” Rostec said.
The comments follow remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who described the Su-57 as the best aircraft in the world. President Putin also revealed that Russia had offered the fighter jet to India as a joint project.
🚨🇮🇳🇷🇺 MEA responds to President Putin’s Su-57 remark at SPIEF 2026
— Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) June 5, 2026
"As for the Su-57, as you mentioned, India and Russia have strong defence ties that go back many years."
At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026, President Putin revealed that Russia had… pic.twitter.com/4VTrJOwAY6
Developed by the United Aircraft Corporation, the Su-57 is Russia’s flagship stealth fighter. It has demonstrated effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions while maintaining a low radar signature, making it difficult for rival air defence systems to detect.
Rostec also highlighted recent developments in the programme, including the presentation of a two-seat variant designated Su-57D. The new version is expected to feature capabilities similar to a combat aviation command aircraft, expanding its role in coordinated battlefield operations, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said earlier.
