Russia Develops New Fifth-generation Single-engine Fighter Jet, Russia Prepares Rival For French Rafale

Russia continues to develop its fighter jet technology and products. (Wikimedia Commons/Mil.ru/Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation)

JAKARTA - A new light tactical aircraft developed by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of the state technology company Rostec will compete with the most advanced fighter aircraft in the global arms market.

This was revealed by the Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev to reporters, at a press conference on the sidelines of the exhibition 'The International and Space Salon (MAKS) 2021 Air Show', Wednesday, July 21.

"Light tactical aircraft, which are priority aircraft designed for export. Recognizing their flight characteristics, attack and reconnaissance capabilities, and low radar vulnerability, we anticipate that the fighter jet will be in stiff competition with its competitors, Shugayev quoted TASS as saying.

"We see it as a rival to Western manufacturers of market-leading, fifth-generation single-engine fighter aircraft", continued Shugayev.

The light tactical aircraft will allow Russia to secure a new niche in the world combat aviation market, explained Shugayev, compete with Russia's new single-engine fighter aircraft will compete with the French Rafale fighter and the Swedish Gripen JAS-39 aircraft in the global market

"With the help of this product, we hope to gain a promising foothold in this aircraft market", said Shugayev.

He further explained that the countries of the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa were seen as potential buyers of Russia's new light fighter aircraft. This is because Russia's new light tactical aircraft will feature a high cost or efficiency ratio.

"Given that the aircraft will be exported, the price will be one of the main indicators and advantages", he concluded.

Illustration of a Russian fighter jet. (Wikimedia Commons/Alexander Mishin)

In May, the state-owned Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi (part of the United Aircraft Corporation of Russia's Rostec) was said to be developing a new fighter aircraft.

A Russian aircraft industry source said the fighter aircraft being developed is part of a future fighter project that is tactical, lightweight, single-engine but has hypersonic capabilities.

"Sukhoi company is developing a single-engine light tactical aircraft with a take-off weight of up to 18 tons. The maximum speed of the aircraft will be above Mach 2", the source said.

"The company is working on the concept and operational requirements for it. a platform. We are doing this on our own initiative so far, without any (federal) budgetary funds", the source said.

"(The aircraft) will also have super maneuverability, as well as improved takeoff and landing performance, thanks to the thrust vector control engine. The thrust to weight ratio of the aircraft will be above 1", said the source.