AviationNews – Moscow, Russia
Russia has officially commenced flight testing for the Su-57D, a newly developed twin-seat variant of its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. The aircraft completed its maiden flight on May 19, 2026, marking a significant evolution for Russia’s frontline combat aviation and its strategy to secure high-value international defense contracts.
State-owned aerospace conglomerate United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) confirmed the milestone following successful ground taxi trials. Developed on the initiative of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, this tandem-cockpit model introduces a second crew member to the advanced multirole platform. The release follows years of speculation and patent filings for a low-observable tactical aircraft capable of serving both operational and training functions, arriving at a time when competition in the global stealth fighter market is intensifying.
The introduction of the second seat transforms the fighter into an airborne command-and-control center, heavily influencing modern crewed-uncrewed teaming tactics. The rear crew member will specifically manage network-centric operations and coordinate mixed fighter groups, such as piloting the aircraft alongside advanced unmanned combat systems like the S-70 Okhotnik stealth drone. While the added cockpit modifies internal avionics, fuel space, and frontal radar cross-sections, it gives the jet the dual utility of an advanced combat trainer and a long-range strike manager capable of operating in heavily jammed electromagnetic environments.
“Flight testing has begun on the prototype of the fifth-generation two-seater fighter jet, the Su-57. This aircraft will, in addition to its unique combat characteristics, also possess the capabilities of a combat trainer and a command and control aircraft,” stated Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
The successful launch of the Su-57D repositions Russia as a primary supplier of highly customizable stealth platforms, specifically targeting major foreign buyers like India, which has historically favored twin-seat configurations for complex long-range missions. Looking forward, the platform is expected to bridge the capability gap for international partners seeking advanced sensor fusion, next-generation engines, and drone-integration features.
The deployment of the twin-seat variant places Russia in an exclusive club of fifth-generation multi-crew stealth aircraft alongside China’s J-20S. This strategic upgrade significantly expands the tactical versatility of the baseline fleet by combining manned combat agility with automated robotic wings. As local production talks with international buyers advance, the Su-57D is poised to reshape regional air-power dynamics across contested airspace worldwide.
