In a significant display of military prowess, Russia has unveiled the internal weapons bays of its Su-57 stealth fighter for the first time. Known by its NATO reporting name, Felon, the aircraft showcased its loaded weapons bays, offering a glimpse into its advanced capabilities.
Background on the Su-57 Fighter
The Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth aircraft, has been in development since the early 2010s. Known as the “Felon” by NATO, the aircraft represents a significant step in modernizing Russian air power. Despite initial production challenges and a limited number of operational units as of late 2025, the Su-57 continues to be a symbol of Russia’s commitment to advancing its military technology.
The Significance of Internal Weapons Bays
The Su-57’s internal weapons bays are a critical feature that maintains the aircraft’s low radar cross-section, a key attribute of stealth technology. By housing weapons internally, the aircraft reduces its detectability during weapon carriage, providing a strategic advantage for stealth missions. This design aligns with global trends in fifth-generation fighters, which prioritize internal payload integration to enhance stealth capabilities.
Details of the Recent Reveal
In a public display in November 2025, Russia revealed the Su-57’s internal weapons bays for the first time. The event, covered by The Aviationist, provided visual and photographic evidence of the bays’ design, offering a rare look into the aircraft’s internal structure and capabilities.
Loaded Configuration of the Bays
During the reveal, the Su-57 Felon brandished its loaded weapons bays, a first for the aircraft. As reported by TWZ, the display on November 10, 2025, showcased various types of munitions within the bays. The arrangement of weapons within the internal compartments demonstrated the aircraft’s operational flexibility and capacity for different payloads.
Technical Features of the Weapons Bays
The engineering behind the Su-57’s internal bays is complex, involving intricate door mechanisms and integration with the aircraft’s avionics. The bays have specific payload limits and are compatible with a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. While the exact dimensions of the bays are classified, they are comparable to those in peer aircraft, further emphasizing the Su-57’s advanced design.
Implications for Russian Aerospace
The reveal of the Su-57’s internal weapons bays boosts confidence in the aircraft’s program amid ongoing production. It also raises the potential for export, as the demonstration of the aircraft’s internal capabilities may attract international buyers. The timing of the November 2025 display, amid geopolitical tensions, underscores Russia’s intent to assert its military prowess on the global stage.
Global Reactions and Comparisons
International media responses to the Su-57’s internal weapons bays reveal have been varied. Some draw parallels with U.S. F-22 and F-35 internal bays, which set the benchmark for stealth performance. The loaded bays display, as reported on November 10, 2025, has influenced perceptions of Russia’s technological parity with other military powers, further fueling discussions on global military advancements.
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