Russia Su-57 Stealth Fighter Completes Maiden Flight With New Izdeliye 177 Engine
Russia has advanced its Su-57 fighter programme with fresh engine flight tests, as state aerospace firms point to performance improvements, higher production rates, and growing export ambitions. Image courtesy: AI generated picture via DALL-E.
Russia has conducted the maiden flight of its fifth-generation stealth fighter Su-57 powered by a new-generation engine, marking a significant milestone in the aircraft’s long-running development programme and future production plans.
State-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) said flight tests of the Izdeliye 177 engine have officially begun as part of the Su-57 aircraft system.
What did UAC say about the Su-57 engine?
In a statement on Monday (December 22, 2025), UAC said the test flight was carried out in cooperation with United Engine Corporation, a subsidiary of the Rostec state conglomerate.
“Honoured test pilot Roman Kondratyev took the aircraft into the air. The flight proceeded as planned, and the new engine performed reliably,” the company said, without disclosing technical details.
What is the Izeliye 177 aeroengine?
The Izdeliye 177 is a new-generation powerplant developed specifically for the Su-57 and is intended to deliver higher thrust and improved overall flight performance.
According to Rostec, the engine is expected to enhance the fighter’s flight characteristics and support further development of the platform as it transitions from testing to wider operational use.
Why is the aeroengine’s performance critical?
Engine performance is a critical element of fifth-generation fighter capability, influencing range, manoeuvrability, payload capacity, endurance, and the ability to sustain supersonic flight while reducing infrared signature.
For the Su-57, the new engine is seen as a step toward achieving its intended performance benchmarks after years of incremental upgrades.
Why is UAC increasing Su-57 production?
UAC said it is ramping up Su-57 production to increase deliveries to the Russian military and to support export orders.
Russia has described the Su-57 as a multirole stealth fighter capable of engaging air, ground, and maritime targets, operating around the clock, in adverse weather, and under electronic warfare conditions. Moscow also claims the aircraft is combat-proven based on its use in Syria and Ukraine.
How is Russia looking to export Su-57 to India?
The development comes amid renewed focus on export prospects, particularly India.
Russian officials and industry experts say Moscow has offered the Su-57 to New Delhi with full technology transfer for indigenous production, including engines, sensors, and stealth materials, positioning the aircraft as a potential option for India’s future fighter requirements.
