a pair of Su-57s taxiing to take-off prior to delivery

Russia receives first Su-57 delivery of 2026

The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have received the first batch of Su-57s produced this year, as the force continues to be re-equipped with Russia’s best aircraft.

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on February 9, 2026.

BLUF: 

  • Russia’s UAC has delivered a batch of Su-57 aircraft to the VKS with new weapon systems included. The aircraft is touted for its ability to operate despite jamming and air defences. 
  • One of the core roles for the VKS against NATO would be shaping the Initial Period of War to either deter the alliance, or set better conditions for Russia. The Su-57 would play an important role in both scenarios.

The United Aircraft Corporation has delivered at least two Su-57 stealth multi-role fighters to the VKS, according to a February 9 Rostec press release. As always, the number of aircraft was not revealed, and the deliveries are thought to have taken place in January, according to analyst Guy Plopsky.

However, the available imagery indicates that between two and four were delivered in this batch. In addition, Rostec states that they were provided with “updated onboard systems and weapons systems.” The company provided no further details on what was added to the Su-57, but Guy Plopsky did identify a few changes:

“Note that the recently delivered Su-57s feature a number of modifications, including a new head-up display (also previously shown on T-50-9 at the Dubai Airshow last year), formation lights (also previously seen on T-50-11), and…additional side-looking missile-warning sensors.”

The side-looking missile-warning sensors appear to be part of the 101KS-U, which detects the ultraviolet light emitted by a missile launch. That sensor is part of the Su-57’s 101KS “Atoll” electro-optical system, which includes the 101KS-V infrared search and track, and the 101KS-O directional infrared counter measures. 

Russia announced two Su-57 deliveries in 2022, three in 2024, but no batches appear to have been reported in 2025. 

Calibre comment: The role of the Su-57 in a war with NATO

In what Russian military theorists call the Initial Period of War, Russian forces would focus on deterring NATO. The goal would be to prevent escalation into war. Paradoxically, there is a belief that targeted strategic operations – like destroying a dam or power station – could potentially achieve this. The goal would be to break the resolve of NATO and show its population that they are on a path to a nuclear strike. Extensive messaging and political pressure would accompany this to convince the population of the folly of a war with Russia. 

If that failed and the war was deemed unavoidable, the VKS and its Su-57s – as well as the rest of its aircraft – would be charged with targeting NATO’s airpower on the ground and in the air. This would include an operation to degrade air defences in the region, as well as targeted strikes on airbases and aircraft that were able to take-off. The goal would be to reduce the alliance’s ability to generate sorties and the number of strikes on Russia’s own capabilities as a result. The stealth characteristics of the Su-57 would be an important enabler in this scenario, presumably improving the survivability of the aircraft against NATO’s advanced air defence missiles. 

If you’d like to read more on Russia’s aircraft production, check these articles out. And please do share them if you found them useful, it really helps Calibre to grow. 

The lead image shows a pair of Su-57s taxiing to take-off prior to delivery. Credit: Rostec.

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