Russia has equipped its fifth-generation Su-57 “Felon” stealth fighter jet with hypersonic weapons. The development was announced by Lieutenant General Aleksandr Maksimtsev, Chief of the Main Staff and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, in an interview with the state-run newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda.
Maksimtsev stated that the Su-57 is now outfitted with “modern aerial strike systems and hypersonic weapons,” emphasizing that under the state defense procurement program, Russia receives advanced weapons systems annually and that Su-57 deliveries are accelerating.
However, specific details regarding which hypersonic weapon has been integrated into the aircraft were not disclosed. Still, Maksimtsev’s statement reignited speculation surrounding Russia’s long-standing efforts to develop air-launched hypersonic missiles designed to fit within the Su-57’s internal weapons bays.
Previously, sources from Russia’s defense industry revealed that a new hypersonic air-to-ground missile, tailor-made for the Su-57, had reached the prototype stage. In February 2023, the state-run TASS news agency reported that a compact hypersonic missile prototype had been developed for the Su-57.
These developments support earlier reports, dating back to December 2018, which claimed that the Su-57 could eventually carry air-launched ballistic missiles with characteristics similar to the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (“Dagger”). The Kinzhal, derived from the ground-launched Iskander system, is currently deployed on modified MiG-31K interceptors and is said to have a range of up to 2,000 kilometers with speeds exceeding Mach 10.
While there is no official confirmation that the Kinzhal has been certified for use with the Su-57, retired Russian Air Force Major General Vladimir Popov has previously stated that such an integration is technically feasible. However, he noted that the fighter would require structural modifications to accommodate the missile’s weight and dimensions.
Developed by Sukhoi and manufactured by the United Aircraft Corporation, the Su-57 is Russia’s most advanced response to U.S.-made fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 and F-35. Despite ongoing delays and limited production, the Kremlin continues to promote the Su-57 as the backbone of its future airpower.
If successfully armed with hypersonic weapons, the Su-57 could represent a rare convergence of stealth and hypersonic strike capabilities—a combination few air forces worldwide have managed to achieve in a single platform.
However, Western defense analysts remain cautious, citing Russia’s limited Su-57 fleet, production delays, and ongoing concerns about engine performance and sensor maturity. While the aircraft has reportedly seen limited action in the war in Ukraine, its operational use appears to have been minimal.
