Illustrative image. (UAC)
The two-seat variant of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet can serve as an airborne command post for unmanned aerial vehicles, functioning much like a sixth-generation fighter jet, TASS reported on August 14, citing Sukhoi Design Bureau Director Mikhail Strelets.
“The second cockpit lets us implement one of the key sixth-generation technologies — controlling unmanned aerial vehicles from an airborne command post,” Strelets said in an interview with the *Military Acceptance* program on the Zvezda television channel.
Strelets noted that this capability is especially important for controlling artificial intelligence (AI) powered systems such as the S-70 Okhotnik-B stealth combat drone, as well as swarm and group systems. He added that testing combat AI — currently under development at the design bureau — will be one of the new Su-57 variant’s key functions.
The fighter jet, officially codenamed the Su-57D, made its maiden flight on May 19. It was piloted by Sukhoi Design Bureau chief test pilot Sergey Bogdan.
Its main design change is a redesigned forward fuselage with a tandem two-seat cockpit, similar in layout to the Su-30 Flanker family and the Su-27UB Flanker-C. The rear seat sits higher than the front, giving the second crew member a clearer forward view. Otherwise, the jet closely resembles the standard single-seat Su-57.
While Strelets only named the S-70 Okhotnik-B as one of the unmanned systems the Su-57D could control, another one is likely the S-71M Monokhrom, which is currently under development. It is reported to be an AI-guided, jet-powered stealth loitering munition capable of autonomously searching for and engaging targets.
Beyond drone control, the aircraft is being positioned as a broader airborne command node capable of directing missiles and manned aircraft alongside unmanned systems, with the second crew member handling sensor fusion, target assignment, electronic warfare, and real-time battle management.
The Su-57D is also planned to serve as a trainer aircraft. This role is considered important for export customers, who — unlike Russian pilots — often lack the training pipeline and simulator infrastructure needed to fly the demanding, thrust-vectoring-equipped Su-57.
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