For the first time, the Russian Aerospace Forces released footage of the internal weapons bay of the new fifth-generation fighter Su-57, which gained its first full operational squadron in 2024.
The Su-57 is Russia's top aircraft in the field of stealth fighters, and like all fighters of its class, it has been designed to carry its full weapons load internally — a feature critical for reducing radar cross-section and, consequently, for increasing its survivability on Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missions.
Internal Armament - Deeper Bays, Stronger Firepower
One of the most notable features of the Su-57 is the size of its internal weapons bays.
These are significantly deeper compared with those of the American F-22 Raptor, and similarly deep but larger than those of the F-35 Lightning II.
The result is that the Su-57 can carry larger-diameter missiles, such as cruise missiles, enhancing its flexibility and firepower.
The fighter has a central weapons bay in the fuselage and two side compartments at the wing roots, which are used mainly for storing Within-Visual-Range (WVR) air-to-air missiles.
Different Philosophy from the U.S. and China
The Su-57 differs noticeably from the Chinese J-20 and the American F-22 and F-35 in the priority it gives to stealth capabilities, which are comparatively lower.
However, it compensates for this difference with a greater emphasis on cruise missiles and long-range weapons, writes the American Military Watch Magazine.
It is no coincidence that Western military analysts speak of Russia's "Invisible Hunter."
It is the only confirmed fifth-generation fighter that has integrated BVR air-to-surface missiles, such as the Kh-59MK2, which has been used both in the war in Ukraine and, possibly, in attacks against rebels in Syria.
This reflects a design philosophy in which the Su-57 is not intended for deep-penetration missions into enemy territory but for supporting local air defenses and conducting strikes from a safe distance, within Russia-controlled airspace.
Nevertheless, there are indications that it has also operated within enemy airspace with strong Ukrainian anti-aircraft defenses.
A sequence of images from a video showing the doors of the Su-57's forward weapons bay opening to reveal a pair of Kh-58UShK missiles inside. also a UVKU-50L ejection launcher loaded with a dummy Kh-58USHK missile is seen on a test bed during tests of Su-57's internal bay system pic.twitter.com/DZdZpXNekf
— H. Memarian (@HEMemarian) September 30, 2025
Weapons Systems and Upgrades
The Su-57 has 8 to 10 internal weapon hardpoints, with 6 to 8 located in the central weapons bay.
Many new weapons are intended for integration into the fighter, such as the guided bomb PBK-500U Drel and an air-launched ballistic missile.
In August 2025, it was reported that the Su-57 has integrated a hypersonic air-to-surface missile, believed to be a derivative of the naval Zircon, making the fighter even more dangerous in long-range strikes.
The aircraft is expected to continue being at the center of developments in new Russian weapons systems, making it attractive both to the Russian Ministry of Defense and to potential foreign clients.
The Next Generation: Su-57M1
In June 2025, it was confirmed that the new Su-57M1 version is in the final stages of development.
This upgraded version will feature a new radar, a redesigned fuselage with greater width, and improved stealth characteristics.
The Su-57 is not merely Russia's answer to Western fifth-generation fighters.
It is an aircraft that embodies a completely different strategic philosophy, focusing on superiority at range, cooperation with air defense networks, and the versatility of attacks.
With new versions, advanced weapons systems, and increasing operational experience, it is clear that the Su-57 will play a decisive role in air operations for the coming decades.
It will carry an advanced AESA radar with greater power/range and multi-function capabilities (surveillance, targeting, mapping). This will improve the ability to detect BVR targets and counter ECM measures.
It will also have increased internal space for weapons and fuel — immediate consequence: increased operational range and the ability to carry larger/heavier weapons internally.
It will have improved stealth characteristics with redesigned cells, integrated surfaces, and absorbent materials.
It minimizes visual and thermal signatures.
The M1 version is expected to feature next-generation engines with higher thrust and efficiency (improvements in acceleration, enhanced fuel economy, and thermal management).
This improves weapon loads and range.
Additionally, it will carry a capable suite of electronic countermeasures and self-protection sensors, allowing survivability against advanced anti-air threats.
Launch of a Kh-59MK2 cruise missile from a Sukhoi Su-57's rear weapons bay. The video is old, but has been restored with the help of AI. pic.twitter.com/kptI5tJHHb
— Willy Dequid (@WDequid) October 6, 2025
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