Russian aerospace group United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) released footage on 9 November showing a Su-57 tactical demonstrator flying with its forward internal bay open and two large anti-radiation missiles stowed inside. The image-set marks a clear step toward a stealth-optimized suppression-of-enemy-air-defenses (SEAD) capability and arrives days before the Dubai Airshow 2025 — a timely showcase for potential export customers.
What the footage changes
The clip provides the first unmistakable public view of the Su-57’s forward bay loaded with two long-body Kh-58 family anti-radiation missiles adapted for internal carriage. Earlier photos had hinted at internal stores, but the new material confirms that the jet can carry heavy anti-radar ordnance in a low-observable configuration — a capability long sought for fifth-generation SEAD missions.
Technical takeaways
- Weapon integration: The missiles appear fitted with folding surfaces and mountings compatible with ejector units from the UVKU-50 family, validating prior engineering assessments that the Su-57’s tandem bays can eject long stores cleanly into the airstream.
- Mixed loadout: During the demonstration, the jet also bore short-range R-74 series air-to-air missiles on external pylons. This combination signals an operational concept that blends stealthy, internal long-range strike with close-in defensive ordnance.
- Operational maturity: Showing a bay-open release profile during dynamic passes implies confidence in sequencing, door clearance and weapons-management logic required for in-flight internal stores employment.
Strategic and export implications
The timing suggests a deliberate promotional move ahead of Dubai Airshow 2025. By visualizing an internal anti-radiation loadout, Russia is highlighting the Su-57 as a candidate for air forces facing dense, modern surface-to-air missile (SAM) networks. Leaks and chatter about possible export interest from nations such as Iran, Algeria and Ethiopia amplify the message that the platform can offer an integrated SEAD/DEAD package suitable for contested electromagnetic environments.
Broader operational meaning
If the Su-57 can reliably carry and release heavy ARMs from an internal forward bay, it alters how early-entry suppression operations might be executed with a low-observable fighter. The platform would be able to “peek” into contested airspace with reduced radar signature while prosecuting emitters from internally stowed weapons — a tactic that shortens engagement timelines and complicates defenders’ recovery cycles.
Caveats and context
The footage is a promotional release; some externally mounted stores in the demo may be for display safety rather than doctrinal loadouts. Key systems — such as full weapons certification, sustained operational integration, and export approvals — remain subject to testing, political constraints and supply-chain realities.
