UAC received a patent for a method of controlling a group of UAVs by an aircraft pilot at the end of 2023. According to a number of media reports citing informed sources, the drones were planned to be installed on the Su-57, while they could be placed on external hardpoints and in a compartment inside the fuselage. Now the management of Rostec has confirmed information about such an addition for the "falcon" of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

In a mini-interview for the 85th anniversary of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, which is part of Rostec's UAC PJSC, the head of the state corporation, Sergei Chemezov, shared his development plans with TASS News Agency.

[...] Today, the work of designers continues: existing aviation complexes that have proven themselves well in combat operations are being modernized, and new developments are underway. [...] The program of the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter is developing, the range of its weapons is expanding, which includes drones. The current geopolitical situation poses new challenges and tasks for the Sukhoi team, which they will undoubtedly successfully cope with.

Sergei Chemezov, General Director of Rostec State Corporation

He emphasized that the design bureau is now creating the "future of Russian aviation." This includes, in particular:

heavy drone "Okhotnik";
promising single-engine fighter Su-75 Checkmate. It is planned to replace its nose compartment depending on the tasks;
heavy vertical take-off and landing drone.

Su-57 is a Russian fifth-generation multi-functional fighter. It is designed to destroy all types of air, ground and surface targets with various types of weapons. These fifth-generation fighters are now the only ones in the world in their category that have been tested in real combat conditions.

The Su-57 has a supersonic cruising speed, internal weapons, and the latest complex of onboard equipment. The high intellectualization of the onboard systems helps the pilot to work and allows the fighter to adapt to the pilot's level of training. If necessary, it takes over piloting and preparing for the use of weapons.

The state order for this fighter has increased several times, and Malaysia and a number of other friendly foreign countries have expressed interest in it. According to some foreign experts, India may also be among the buyers of the fighter in the near future.

The management of "Rostec" said that it is still in the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the process of development and refinement

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