Rostec Says Su-57E Fighter Jet Showed Long Flight Range in Internal-Fuel Test

Russian state defense corporation Rostec said its Su-57E fighter jet, the export version of Russia's fifth-generation Su-57, demonstrated an exceptional flight range while operating solely on internal fuel tanks, according to a report by the Russian state news agency TASS.

Rostec stated that the aircraft completed the flight with a single stopover along the route. Following that stopover, the corporation said, the jet still had sufficient fuel remaining to cover an additional 1,000 kilometers.

The claim was presented by Rostec as evidence of the aircraft's endurance without relying on external fuel tanks, which are typically used to extend an aircraft's range but can affect its stealth profile and maneuverability.

TASS did not provide independent verification of the flight details, including the date, departure and stopover locations, or the total distance covered. No additional technical specifications regarding fuel capacity or flight duration were disclosed in the report.

The Su-57E is the designated export variant of Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter, which has been marketed by Russian defense officials to potential international buyers. Rostec, the state-owned conglomerate that oversees much of Russia's defense industrial base, has periodically publicized performance claims about the aircraft as part of efforts to promote its capabilities.

The statement has not been independently corroborated by third-party aviation analysts or foreign defense officials.