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Russia flies Su-57D two-seat prototype as stealth fighter platform expands into training and potential drone-coordination roles

United Aircraft Corporation has begun flight testing a rebuilt two-seat Su-57 configuration, tentatively designated Su-57D, following earlier taxi trials and reported ground runs. First flight reportedly occurred May 19, with the programme accompanied by further claims that the variant may support drone-control missions in addition to pilot training.

Discovered 2026-05-19T08:12:21.300045-07:00 | 2026-05-19T08:12:21.300045-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The Su-57D is a material iteration of Russia’s flagship stealth fighter, moving from taxi trials into flight testing and potentially broadening mission roles beyond pilot training.
  • The two-seat configuration could signal changes to how Russia intends to employ manned-unmanned teaming (including drone coordination) alongside the Su-57’s stealth and sensor baseline.
  • For defense procurement and industrial stakeholders, the test milestone—plus the involvement of state-linked media in releasing footage—helps gauge the pace and direction of Russia’s fifth-generation fighter development cycle.

Reported By

lentoposti.fi aerobuzz.fr haber.aero aerobuzz.de defence.in nationalsecurityjournal.org
Sources Tracked
20
First Seen
2026-05-19T08:12:21.300045-07:00
Latest Update
2026-05-26T04:27:04.751760-07:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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