On October 21, at the Gromov Flight Research Institute, a modernized Su-57 flew for the first time.

The Russian state aviation corporation UAC reported on its social networks the successful maiden flight of a fifth-generation Su-57 fighter, which underwent a systems modernization process.

The aircraft was flown by Sukhoi Design Bureau test pilot, and Hero of the Russian Federation, Sergei Bogdan. The flight lasted for 56 minutes, with no incidents detected.

According to the scant information released by UAC so far, the prototype is testing a set of new onboard equipment with extended functionalities, which includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI) programs to assist, the crew.

The modernized version (Su-57M?) will be able to use an expanded range of new weapon types. Another notable aspect is that the second-stage engine, the Saturn Izdeliye 30, whose development was not completed when the Su-57 entered service with the Russian Air Force, will be installed.

As announced by the state news outlet TASS in August 2021, the modernized Su-57 will go into serial production from 2025.

See also: The Sukhoi Su-57 completed combat operations over Ukraine

For now there is no further data on the extent of modernization work on Russia’s most advanced air combat fighter jet, but it will undoubtedly incorporate several of the industrial, technical and tactical lessons harshly learned during the present war against Ukraine.