Russian Su-57 Fighter Gets New 300 km-Range Compact Air-to-Air Missile

The Russian Su-57 fighter has been equipped with a new long-range, intra-fuselage cruise missile, the RVV-BD – R-37M, designed to snugly fit within the stealth aircraft's underbelly.

An informed source disclosed to RIA Novosti that the missile is smaller in size compared to "classic" cruise missiles, specifically tailored for the intra-fuselage compartment. While the missile's exact specifications remain undisclosed, it boasts a range comparable to cruise missiles on Tu-160 and Tu-95MS strategic bombers. This size reduction was achieved through the incorporation of a folding wing, a new small-sized bypass turbojet engine, and an impeccably refined design.

New missiles for the Su-57 have been in development for some time, gradually enhancing the aircraft's arsenal. In late August this year, reports emerged that the fighter would soon receive a long-range aircraft missile capable of targeting high-speed air threats up to 300 km away, presumably the long-range air-to-air guided missile RVV-BD - R-37M.

Speculation surrounds the potential adaptation of the R-37M missile system, already integrated into the Su-57 fighter. This advanced variant of the 1989 R-37 missile system can engage high and low-altitude targets at distances exceeding 300 kilometers. Notably, this missile technology is expected to extend to the Su-35 as well.

The R-37M, also known as RVV-BD (Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile) can reportedly achieve hypersonic speeds. It is set to be employed by modernized MiG-31BM interceptors, Su-35S, and Su-57 multirole fighters. This missile is capable of targeting altitudes ranging from 15 to 25,000 meters, guided semi-actively or actively using the Agat 9B-1388 system.