Russian Air Force News & Discussion

[Ananda]

think there is 0 chance of Russia breaking into the global airliner market in any significant capacity. Russia failed to do so with the SSJ under much better circumstances. At best the Russian airliner industry will survive, serving domestic demand, and some government/military needs, with exports to a handful of client states.

Yes I completely agree that chances for Russia doing alone to have meaningfull breakthrough on Global Market is close to zero. I also agree that if they can fullfill Russia own domestic and some small export to Global South is also the best situation for them can get.

The context that I talk more on Russia and China work together. China already facing supply chain problem especially from US. Euro and US will not going to let China become significant competitors if still relied to Western Supply Chain. They will not going to let Chinese EV and PHEV storm happening in Civilian Aerospace industry. China need to build their own supply chain like in other Industry. Working with Russia can help to reduce dependence to western supply chain.

Question will both of them want to reduce ego pride and agree on work share. Western push against both of them can push them to corner and see the options to work together is the only way to survive.

 

[Feanor]

Yes I completely agree that chances for Russia doing alone to have meaningfull breakthrough on Global Market is close to zero. I also agree that if they can fullfill Russia own domestic and some small export to Global South is also the best situation for them can get.

The context that I talk more on Russia and China work together. China already facing supply chain problem especially from US. Euro and US will not going to let China become significant competitors if still relied to Western Supply Chain. They will not going to let Chinese EV and PHEV storm happening in Civilian Aerospace industry. China need to build their own supply chain like in other Industry. Working with Russia can help to reduce dependence to western supply chain.

Question will both of them want to reduce ego pride and agree on work share. Western push against both of them can push them to corner and see the options to work together is the only way to survive.

Russia could certainly serve as a parts producer for China. They used to produce parts for western aircraft. But I would be very surprised if it was Russian engines on Chinese jets.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

The Yak-130M is a modernized version with more weapons and equipment which was unveiled in August 2024. The suite includes the BRLS-130R airborne radar, the SOLT-130K electro-optical/laser targeting system, the President-S130 self-protection suite, and the new KSS-130 communications link. This fit increases target detection range, improves weapons delivery accuracy, and strengthens resistance to electronic warfare. The podded defensive aids suite is intended to counter air- and surface-launched missile threats.
Including the modernization is also a new powerplant, the SM-100 engine, which is derived from the AI-222-25. The new engine delivers 20% higher thrust with no increase in weight or dimensions and doubles service life.

The first prototype is already assembled, is now undergoing ground tests and will be prepared for flight tests.

And the certification of the Il-114-300 is pushed back to 2026. Well, better a delay of one or more years, than rushing the certification and test process, with accidents and other problems as result.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

The second Yak-130M prototype has been rolled out with Su-57 style paintjob.

And here we can see that the 2nd full domestic version of the Irkut MS-21-310 recently made its first flight.
Russia’s 2nd All-Domestic MC-21-310 Completes Maiden Flight in Irkutsk! - YouTube

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Some videos of the Dubai Airshow 2025.
Here we have a closer look of the Su-57.

A nice flying display of the Su-57.

The Su-57 with opened weaponbays.

Sukhoi unveiled a refined unmanned Su-75 Checkmate fighter jet model at Dubai Airshow 2025, featuring a reworked wing and revised rear fuselage.

The Sukhoi Su-75 is intended to be available in one-seat, two-seat, and unmanned versions, allowing a single platform family to cover training, strike, and loyal wingman roles. So it seems this program isn't dead yet.
Russia unveils unmanned Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter at Dubai Airshow 2025.

 

[Ananda]

United Engine Corp show in Dubai airahow 177C engine as AL-31/41 replacement. The engine have similar diameter and length to AL-31/41 thus clearly also being marketed to present Flankers users if they want to switch engine.