Russia continues quest for sixth-generation fighter
Recent public remarks from Anatoly Serdyukov, head of the aviation cluster in Russian defence conglomerate Rostec, indicate that a sixth-generation fighter aircraft for Russia will be jointly designed by Mikoyan and Sukhoi.
Serdyukov said that negotiations are ongoing and a final decision will probably emerge before the end of 2020.
Combining two of the leading aerospace design bureaus may reflect renewed determination from the Russian government to develop a sixth-generation aircraft to rival the Future Combat Air System in mainland Europe, Tempest in the UK and Next-Generation Air Dominance in the US.
Russian officials originally proposed such an aircraft as
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter
As industrial-scale drone production proves its battlefield worth in Ukraine, what happens to that production capacity and knowhow once the guns fall silent – and is Ukraine about to become one of the world’s most credible UAV export partners?
-
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.