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Moscow Unveils Su-57 With Anti-Radar Missiles But Analysts Doubt Fifth-Generation Status
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia has released new promotional footage of its Su-57 stealth fighter showing the aircraft’s forward internal bay carrying two Kh-58 anti-radiation missiles, underscoring its intended role in suppressing enemy air defenses.
The video was published on November 9 by United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of the state-run Rostec conglomerate, according to Army Recognition.
According to Army Recognition, the footage features the test airframe T-50-9, identified by its tail number “509,” performing maneuvers with its forward bay doors open to reveal two Kh-58UShK missiles.
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has released promotional footage of the Su-57 prototype (T-50-9) ahead of its appearance at the 2025 Dubai Airshow. pic.twitter.com/YVl1aQDVB0
— OSINTWarfare (@OSINTWarfare) November 9, 2025
These long-range anti-radiation weapons are designed to target enemy radar systems and are mounted on internal ejectors developed specifically for the Su-57’s deep tandem bays. This is the first confirmed instance of the jet displaying such a load configuration in flight, after years of speculation about its internal weapons layout.
The same footage shows two short-range R-74 air-to-air missiles attached externally. Analysts note that this combination—internal suppression weapons paired with external self-defense missiles—suggests flexibility in the fighter’s operational configuration, balancing low-observable capability with practical loadout options for demonstrations and export marketing.
According to Army Recognition, the demonstration comes just days before Dubai Airshow 2025, where Moscow seeks to promote the Su-57 to potential foreign buyers. The timing also follows a series of leaks attributed to the hacker collective “Black Mirror,” which allegedly published internal Rostec documents detailing export discussions involving Iran, Algeria, and Ethiopia.
The authenticity of those files has not been independently verified, but they align with prior reports about Russia’s continued efforts to attract overseas clients despite sanctions and domestic production constraints.
The Su-57, known by its NATO designation “Felon,” is Russia’s first aircraft marketed as a fifth-generation fighter, combining stealth shaping with internal weapons carriage. Rostec has stated that upgraded versions will receive improved engines and updated weapons systems, though no delivery timelines have been provided.
However, defense analysts and Western observers have repeatedly questioned the jet’s classification as a true fifth-generation platform. Its radar signature, engine performance, and production scale fall short of benchmarks set by comparable Western aircraft such as the F-35.
The internal bay design shown in the new video mirrors those used on other low-observable aircraft, allowing missiles to be housed within the fuselage to reduce radar cross-section.
According to Army Recognition, this configuration demonstrates the Su-57’s ability to carry anti-radiation missiles internally, a capability aimed at first-wave suppression of enemy air defenses—known as SEAD—missions.
Earlier, a cyber operation by InformNapalm and Fenix exposed classified documents from Russian defense firm OKBM, revealing that both the Su‑57 and the PAK DA stealth bomber rely on imported components and foreign CNC machinery.
The leak included engineering files, production schedules, and audit reports showing how Western sanctions have stalled key programs and forced Russia to seek covert supply chains through third countries.
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