Aircraft
Putin Calls for Additional Su-57s and Mi-28NMs
While it has been acknowledged that the Sukhoi Su-57 has some way to go before fully entering service, the order for the VKS is being increased
The Su-57 fifth-generation multi-role fighter is currently engaged in operational evaluation trials at the GLITs test center at Akhtubinsk. (photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
The Su-57 fifth-generation multi-role fighter is currently engaged in operational evaluation trials at the GLITs test center at Akhtubinsk. (photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

With six Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighters providing an escort to the presidential Ilyushin Il-96-300 VVIP transport, Vladimir Putin arrived in style on May 14 at the Valery Chkalov State Flight Test Center (GLITs) in Akhtubinsk, southern Russia, to inspect the base and talk to its personnel. On the next day he flew to Sochi to chair a meeting with the top military officials and defense industry leaders, during which decisions were taken to boost the planned order for the Su-57 to 76 aircraft, as well as to procure 100 Mi-28MN attack helicopters by 2028.