Bloggers unveil rare footage depicting Su-35, Su-57 production

Recently, some footage has emerged from Russian bloggers, initially circulated on local platforms like VKontakte and later found on worldwide networks. This footage showcases the manufacturing process of Su-35 and Su-57 fighters at an aviation factory in Komsomolsk on Amur [KnAAZ]. Such glimpses into this activity are relatively rare, especially since the start of Russia’s “special military operation”, their term for the war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian analysts suggest that the footage was likely recorded for propaganda purposes. It appears that these clips were shared amongst what has been termed “Russian propagandists,” with an intent to corroborate claims that Russia has ramped up production at these factories, thereby transitioning them to a war footing. Nevertheless, as pointed out by Defense Express, such visuals are indeed uncommon. Ukraine, unlike Russia which can produce its own planes, lacks this ability, they remind us, Bulgarian Military reports.

The footage offers a rare glimpse at the assembly line at KnAAZ where the fuselages of seven Su-35S aircraft in various stages of completion can be seen. This contrasts with previous production statistics – Russia’s military-industrial complex produced only seven Su-35S aircraft in total in 2022, and approximately 10 in 2023.

Two deliveries in 2024

Assessing the current landscape, it is noteworthy that KnAAZ, just a day before Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 8, delivered two brand-new Su-35S aircraft to the Russian combat air force. This marks the second delivery of this air combat asset, with the preliminary delivery happening just a few weeks earlier in April. Video clips released by the UAC disclosed the preparation for both deliveries, and each video showcased two aircraft. Accordingly, the Russian Aerospace Forces [VKS or RuAF] likely received a total of four Su-35S in 2024.

However, the use of the term “mobilization order produced” for the seven Su-35 aircraft unveiled in unique video footage from the production line is somewhat ambiguous. It is worth noting that the “Strategy Analysis Center and Technologies” [CAST] in Russia has dubbed the recent delivery of these fighter jets to the Russian Air Force as tied to the 2021 contract for 24 aircraft. This insight, which is intriguingly derived from a Ukrainian source, was shared through an informal bmpd blog post by CAST.

A compelling unfolding of events would be if the Ukrainian source’s claims turned out to be true, suggesting that what Russian propaganda outlets are labeling as “mobilization” is, in reality, contractual proceedings. This contract, it is worth noting, was inked a full year before the extensive invasion and is being executed at a reasonable pace.

Su-30 buyback

Shifting our focus to the production of the Su-57, the video above primarily showcases unique blanks intended for this aircraft’s fuselage. To truly grasp the rhythm of production rates, ponder these numerical representations: The Russians kicked off the serial production of the Su-57 in 2020. Open source records currently indicate the operation of 22 Su-57 fighters within the Russian Federation, with an additional 10 functioning as prototypes.

Within the sphere of Russian combat aircraft production, it’s imperative to note a report by The Moscow Times. According to this media outlet, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant has initiated the buy-back of the Su-30 fighter jets that were previously exported. This is the exact production plant where this specific model of Russian combat aircraft is rolled out. The Moscow Times cites transactions between 2022 and 2023 totaling an impressive 400 million US dollars.

As analysts delve into this intriguing turn of events, they attribute the cause to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which appears to be increasing local demand for weapon systems. The primary military production line of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant comprises the Su-30 Flanker-C, along with the Yak-130 light training aircraft. According to open-source data, the Russian Air Force—known by the acronyms VKS or RuAF—has recorded a loss of 11 Su-30s since the commencement of the Ukrainian conflict.

A jump in imports

An intriguing revelation by The Moscow Times shows that this company didn’t wait to be buried under the full wave of 2021 before boosting its exports. The year 2021 witnessed a significant surge in imports, peaking at $581 million. This surge was subsequently followed by $322.3 million in 2022 and an additional $95.1 million in the early part of 2023. An astonishing total of nearly $1 trillion was amassed over three years, according to the publication’s final assessment.

David Sharp, an authority on defense matters, explained to The Moscow Times the inherent complexities in producing planes like the Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35. According to Sharp, this is a resource-intensive endeavor that takes significant time and can often be compromised by a deficiency of crucial components.

However, it’s not only Irkut placing a high stake in this booming market. Other major players such as rocket manufacturer NPO Mashinostroyeniya, and automated measuring systems NPP also play vital roles. According to The Moscow Times, these deals will weigh in at an astounding $1 billion by the end of 2021. A 53% decline in Russian arms sales between 2014-2018 and 2019-2023 was also revealed by a study conducted by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute [SIPRI].