Russian Major General Sergey Lipovoy said the fifth-generation Su-57 has evolved beyond the role of a conventional fighter and now functions as a multifunctional airborne platform that can be equipped with different weapons for specific missions.

According to Lipovoy, the aircraft was upgraded with lessons from the special military operation in mind. The modernized version has a longer operating range and expanded radar capabilities.

A new radar system allows the Su-57 to monitor not only the airspace but also the situation on the ground. At long distances, it can detect individual targets and identify their type, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery systems and fortified positions.

Lipovoy added that the fighter has also been fitted with electronic warfare and electronic intelligence systems. These are designed to create interference and make it more difficult for enemy radars to detect the aircraft. At the same time, he stressed that the Su-57’s current configuration should not be considered final.

The aircraft’s arsenal includes upgraded air-to-air missiles, improved guided aerial bombs and air-to-surface missiles capable of striking large-area and ground targets, he said.

Lipovoy also noted that Ukrainian forces are operating NATO-made aircraft that the Su-57 may have to face. In his assessment, the Russian fighter has a clear advantage over the alliance’s most advanced aircraft in terms of tactical and technical characteristics.