Russia’s Sukhoi comes up with first designs of 6th-generation fighter — deputy PM

“I’m referring also to new design concepts briefly presented by the Sukhoi design bureau and by the general designer appointed for all aircraft systems and armaments,” Rogozin told reporters after a meeting on the military aviation development. “They have really come up with the designs for the creation of the sixth-generation fighter.”

He also said that as of today the Russian aircraft building industry “is currently engaged in state testing of the fifth-generation fighter.” According to Rogozin, it is necessary to look far ahead now in order to attain new quality of Russian aviation.

In addition, to retain the positions it is necessary to rejuvenate the personnel, consolidate the industry, engage in its technical re-equipment and cooperate with all to the industry advantage. New radio-electronic technology and new armaments are the priorities, Rogozin said.

Meanwhile, Commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces Viktor Bondarev told reporters on Wednesday that Russia’s sixth-generation fighter is being developed in both manned and unmanned versions.

“It (the plane) will be modified in both versions,” Bondarev said, answering a TASS question. “If we stop, we will stop forever,” the commander added. “Therefore, the work is going on – on the sixth and perhaps the seventh (generation) fighters.”

Bondarev declined to specify how long it may take to create the plane’s unmanned version but made it clear that it is a matter of the next few years.

In 2014, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) said that the first such aircraft would be built in the second half of the 2020s. Now Russia tests the fifth-generation fighter – PAK FA (also known as T-50). It performed its maiden flight in 2010. The plane’s state tests are expected to be completed in 2016, and in 2017 its serial deliveries will begin.