Russia’s Su-57 Felon just pulled back the curtain on one of its best-kept secrets, and the timing couldn’t be more deliberate. On November 9, 2025, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) dropped a stunning promotional video that, for the first time ever, shows the stealth fighter’s forward internal weapons bay wide open, revealing two massive Kh-58UShK anti-radiation missiles tucked neatly inside. This isn’t just another flashy airshow reel. It’s a calculated move to showcase the Su-57’s growing maturity in the high-stakes world of suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and destruction of enemy air defenses (DEAD), all while preserving its low-observable stealth profile.
The reveal comes just days before the Dubai Airshow 2025, where Russia is clearly aiming to reignite global interest in its fifth-generation fighter amid mounting sanctions and production challenges. With leaked documents hinting at export talks with countries like Iran, Algeria, and Ethiopia, this footage is more than technical flexing, it’s a strategic signal to both potential buyers and adversaries.
Let’s unpack what this means, why it matters, and where the Su-57 program is headed next.
The star of the show is test airframe T-50-9, callsign “509,” captured in dynamic low-level passes with its forward bay doors cracked open mid-flight. Inside: two Kh-58UShK missiles, long, sleek anti-radiation weapons specifically redesigned with folding fins and strakes to fit within the Su-57’s deep internal bay. These aren’t lightweight munitions. They’re heavy-hitting, radar-killing missiles launched via the advanced Vympel UVKU-50 ejector system, a pneumatic catapult designed to hurl large stores clear of the aircraft even during high-G maneuvers or steep angles of attack.
This is the first undeniable public proof that the Su-57 can carry two heavy anti-radiation missiles internally without compromising its stealth shape. For years, only the smaller side “dog-tooth” bays have been photographed in detail, usually loaded with short-range R-74 air-to-air missiles. The forward bay, however, has remained a mystery, until now.
What’s equally eye-catching is what’s mounted outside: a pair of R-74 or R-74M2 short-range air-to-air missiles hanging from underwing pylons. Yes, external weapons on a stealth jet. That might sound contradictory, but it’s not a flaw, it’s intentional.
For one, it’s safer during airshow rehearsals. External mounts allow rapid jettison if something goes wrong. More importantly, it sends a clear message: the Su-57 can handle both SEAD and self-defense in a single package. It can suppress enemy radars deep behind the front line while still carrying enough close-in firepower to fend off fighters. In actual combat, those R-74s would likely be moved into the side internal bays, restoring full stealth. But for demonstration purposes, the external fit drives the point home: versatility matters.
This combination, internal heavy anti-radiation missiles plus visible dogfight capability, paints a picture of a multi-role stealth platform that can open corridors through dense air defenses, then hold its own if challenged. It’s the kind of mission profile that resonates with air forces facing modern integrated air defense systems (IADS), think S-300s, S-400s, or even Patriot batteries.
Now, let’s talk timing. Releasing this footage on November 9 wasn’t random. The Dubai Airshow opens soon, and Russia needs a win. Despite producing over 20 Su-57s for its own air force, export success has been elusive. Sanctions, engine delays, and competition from the F-35 have kept foreign buyers at arm’s length. But recent chatter, fueled by leaked documents allegedly from a hacker group called “Black Mirror,” suggests renewed interest from Iran, Algeria, and Ethiopia.
For Iran, the Su-57 with internal Kh-58s offers a massive leap in organic SEAD capability. Their current fleet relies on aging Su-24s carrying older Kh-58 variants externally, a far cry from stealthy, standoff suppression. Algeria, long a Russian arms client, wants a fifth-generation deterrent to counter regional rivals. And Ethiopia? It’s as much about prestige and alignment with Moscow as actual combat need.
Technically, the Kh-58UShK is a beast. With a range exceeding 250 km (some sources claim up to 300 km in certain modes), supersonic speed (Mach 3.5+), and a sophisticated multi-mode seeker that can home in on radar emissions or jam sources, it’s built to kill SAM radars from a safe distance. The “UShK” designation stands for “with reduced diameter and folding control surfaces,” a direct response to the Su-57’s internal carriage requirements.
The UVKU-50 ejector family, including the UVKU-50U and 50L variants, is equally impressive. It uses a clean, downward ejection mechanism that ensures the missile clears the bay doors without tumbling, even when they’re only partially open. This enables “peek-and-shoot” tactics: briefly expose the bay, launch, and close, minimizing radar exposure. It’s a critical feature for surviving in contested airspace.
Compared to its Western counterpart, the F-35 carrying the AGM-88E AARGM, the Su-57’s loadout has advantages in raw range and speed. The Kh-58UShK flies farther and faster than the AARGM, though the F-35 likely edges it out in sensor fusion, networking, and electronic warfare support. Still, for nations outside the NATO ecosystem, the Su-57 offers a compelling alternative, especially if Russia sweetens the deal with technology transfer or co-production.
Looking ahead, expect more than just flybys at Dubai. Rumors swirl of Stage 2 Saturn Izdeliye 30 engines with supercruise capability, new hypersonic munitions, and expanded weapons integration. Rostec has been vocal about production ramp-ups and incremental upgrades. This open-bay demonstration is proof-of-life: the Su-57 isn’t just a prototype anymore. It’s a maturing system with real operational potential.
At its core, this reveal shifts the narrative. The Su-57 is no longer just Russia’s answer to the F-22 or F-35 in air superiority. It’s evolving into a stealthy first-strike enabler, capable of punching holes in enemy air defenses on day one of a conflict. For countries facing advanced SAM networks in the Middle East, North Africa, or beyond, that’s a powerful pitch.
Whether you’re a defense enthusiast, a military strategist, or just someone fascinated by cutting-edge aviation, one thing is clear: the Su-57 is growing up, and Russia wants the world to see it.
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