The Russian Ministry of Defense plans to create two or three squadrons of fifth-generation Su-57 fighters for one with their wingmen – heavy shock-reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) S-70 Okhotnik, Izvestia reports, citing sources in the military department.
The newspaper notes that the creation of mixed air regiments “will radically enhance” the capabilities of the Aerospace Forces (VKS) of Russia. “Unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft will cover hundreds and even thousands of kilometers with an impenetrable shield. They will also be able to destroy the most important targets behind enemy lines, remaining unnoticed,” the newspaper writes.
According to the newspaper, fighters and UAVs “will begin to act together, using new tactics and capabilities of elements of artificial intelligence.”
In February, RIA Novosti, citing a source in the military-industrial complex, reported that Russia would build three more S-70 Okhotnik models.
In December 2020, the Russian Aerospace Forces received the first serial Su-57.
In December 2019, the Su-57 crashed, which was supposed to become the first serial fighter of the fifth generation, adopted by the Russian Aerospace Forces.
By 2028, the Russian Aerospace Forces should receive 76 Su-57 units.