Russian MoD to Buy 12 Fifth-gen Su-57 Jets for ‘Test Combat Use’

Russia’s defense ministry plans to sign a contract for a preproduction batch of 12 fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets, TASS reported quoting Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov.

"We are buying Su-57 jets for test combat use. First stage state trials are over," he told journalists Thursday. "This year, we will sign a contract for the first batch of 12 Su-57 fighter jets for the Armed Forces."

According to Borisov, the first two planes of this batch may come into service in 2019. He said that ten out of 12 previously manufactured jets are undergoing flight tests.

When asked about performance of the new engine for Su-57, he answered: "Everything seems to be all right. But you know, it is a series of trials. Many flights are to be performed. As a rule, such trials take two or three years," he said.

The Su-57 (PAK FA) performed its maiden flight in 2010. On December 5, it made the first flight with a new engine. Currently, the plane is equipped with the so-called stage-on engine 117C. The new engine has been given no name so far and is conventionally referred to as "stage-two engine."