Su-57 will receive bodyguard drones: how Sukhoi wants to overtake the F-35 in the war of the future

Not the pilot, but the fighter commander becomes the headquarters in the sky

Russian designers from the Sukhoi Design Bureau are working to ensure that the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter is no longer just a machine. Now he must become the commander of the air "swarm". The new concept is not just tracking, but deep integration with several types of drones, which expand its capabilities tenfold.

The pilot on board is no longer just shooting. He controls the battle like a chess player, using drones as pieces.

Three types of drones for one car

Sukhoi is developing three variants of unmanned platforms at once:

• Autonomous "loyal wingmen" are capable of independently steering, taking off and landing. Their task is to accompany the Su—57, carry out reconnaissance, mask the fighter and, if necessary, take a strike.
• Internal kamikaze drones are launched directly from the Su-57 compartment. After the impact, they may return or be lost. This allows you to carry fewer weapons on yourself, but attack further.
• Disposable attack modules — mounted externally, like cruise missiles. They can be guided and released. Cheap, massive, ideal for suppressing air defenses.

Inside, outside, offline — where are they hidden

The main problem of stealth is to remain inconspicuous. The F-35 and J-20 have all the weapons inside. The Su-57 went further: some drones are hidden in compartments, some on external nodes, but with the possibility of quick replacement and minimal impact on visibility.

The idea is for the fighter to operate in stealth mode, and for the drones to come forward, provoke radars, adjust strikes, and distract the enemy.

Why it can be more dangerous than it seems

The main advantage is not technology, but experience. According to sources, drones are being designed taking into account the real conditions in which both Russian and Ukrainian UAVs are already fighting. This means that learning algorithms, behavior in electronic warfare conditions, and resistance to interference have all been worked out in practice.

If the concept works, the Su-57 will be able to attack targets hundreds of kilometers away without showing itself. And this is a new era in air warfare.

Sources

1. Amalantra.ru — Su-57 specs & weapons review, incl. UAV integration
2. 24tv.ua — Capability analysis vs. F-35 & J-20
3. YouTube — Su-57 Felon (2025) review: combat UAVs & avionics
4. Hi-Tech.mail.ru — Su-57 ready to control drones: prospects & advantages
5. Sdelanounas.ru — Technical overview & UAV integration features