Moscow, December 23 - Russia has marked a pivotal advancement in its fifth-generation fighter jet program with the commencement of flight tests for the Sukhoi Su-57 equipped with the new Izdeliye 177 engine, also known as Product 177. Announced by the state-owned Rostec conglomerate on December 22, 2025, this milestone involves the integration of a cutting-edge fifth-generation powerplant developed by the United Engine Corporation specifically for advanced combat aircraft like the Su-57 stealth fighter. The inaugural flight, piloted by honored test pilot Roman Kondratyev, proceeded without incident, demonstrating reliable performance of the new engine during the test. This development represents a significant step forward for the Su-57 Felon, Russia's premier stealth multirole fighter designed to dominate air superiority missions with enhanced maneuverability and low observability.
The Izdeliye 177 engine introduces substantial improvements over previous powerplants, boasting an afterburning thrust of up to 16,000 kgf, reduced fuel consumption across all operational modes, and extended service life through the incorporation of advanced materials and innovative design solutions. These enhancements are poised to elevate the Su-57's overall flight characteristics, including greater range, sustained supersonic capability, and superior agility in combat scenarios. As a clean-sheet fifth-generation engine, it aims to fully unlock the potential of the Su-57 platform, which has already proven its capabilities in real-world operations. The transition to flight testing follows rigorous ground and bench evaluations, signaling progress toward serial integration and potential upgrades for existing Su-57 fleets.
This engine upgrade underscores Russia's commitment to modernizing its aerospace forces amid evolving global threats, positioning the Su-57 as a competitive fifth-generation stealth fighter with advanced propulsion technology. Specialists from the United Aircraft Corporation and United Engine Corporation are collaborating closely on the ongoing test campaign, which will validate the engine's performance under diverse conditions. The new powerplant not only bolsters the aircraft's tactical advantages, such as improved thrust-to-weight ratio and reduced infrared signature, but also lays the groundwork for future evolutions of the Su-57 family.
With production ramping up and export variants under consideration, the successful flight tests of the Izdeliye 177 engine enhance the Su-57's appeal in the international military aviation market. This achievement reinforces the fighter's role as a cornerstone of next-generation air power, capable of engaging air, ground, and surface targets with precision and stealth. As testing continues, the Su-57 with its advanced fifth-generation engine is set to solidify Russia's position in cutting-edge fighter jet technology.