The production of Su-57 fighters at the Gagarin Aircraft Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur (KnAAZ) will be accelerated through the introduction of a robotic technological complex. The project will be implemented by 2028, with Irkutsk National Research Technical University (IRNITU) as the developer.
The new system is designed for processing power elements of the airframe — skin and frame. Instead of manual labor and hydraulic presses with high operator dependence, an industrial robot with machine vision is used.
The complex automatically targets the part and performs forming by local plastic deformation — using roller rolling and metal seating.
Interchangeable tools allow processing surfaces of complex curvature, and a mobile platform allows working with both small elements and large assemblies directly in the assembly area.
This is about transitioning from “manual precision” to a reproducible digital process, which directly affects the speed and quality of production.
It should be noted that production facilities in Komsomolsk-on-Amur are regularly modernized. For example, in November 2025, an anodizing bath cooling system using winter cold was introduced there.
Recall that KnAAZ is the main producer of fifth-generation Su-57 and fourth-generation Su-35S fighters. The plant has already been loaded with orders until 2030.