RuAviation

The Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant has completed construction of new facilities to expand production of Su-57 fighters. The commissioning ceremony of the new facilities was timed to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the enterprise. As part of the renovation, fuel system development buildings were launched, and the first stage of construction of a boathouse designed for testing on-board radio-electronic equipment was completed. This is reported by the press service of the United Aircraft Corporation.

The expansion of production facilities is a part of the investment programme, in which significant government funding and the corporation’s own funds have been invested. The head of UAC Yuri Slyusar noted that such measures help to create a modern high-tech production facility for the production of advanced aircraft systems. Creation of new premises at KnAAZ will allow to improve the quality and volumes of manufactured products, ensure timely fulfilment of contractual obligations and state defence orders.

As part of further development, a new hangar for system development and ground testing of the Su-57 is expected to be commissioned. Alexander Pekarsh, Director of the Yuri Gagarin KnAAZ, emphasised the task of completing the commissioning of the new building in the shortest possible time. With the introduction of new building facilities and reconstruction of existing facilities, production will become more technologically advanced, which will improve efficiency and speed up deliveries.

‘Further expansion of the facility’s capacity is planned. With the support of the state, the third stage of galvanic production will be built at KnAAZ and a major reconstruction of other facilities of the enterprise will begin,’ said Alexander Pekarsh.

The new production capabilities being opened in Komsomolsk-on-Amur will help ensure that the Russian Ministry of Defence orders for the required number of aircraft are fulfilled. In 2023, the Armed Forces received more than 10 fifth-generation fighters (there were reports of 11 aircraft), and thus the number of Su-57s in the forces is unofficially estimated at 20-21 aircraft. By the end of 2024, 22 more Su-57s are to be produced at KnAAZ. A total of 76 such fighters are to be produced by 2028, which will staff three air regiments.