Russia unveils two-seat Su-57D fighter, hinting at AI and drone-control roles

Russia surprised the world in May by announcing the Su-57D, a two-seat derivative of its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter that had not been publicly known before. According to Mihail Strelets, head of the aircraft’s design bureau, the additional rear seat is intended for combat functions, not merely for training new pilots. The fighter is designed to operate in tandem with the unmanned S-70 Ohotnik system, effectively using the drone as a wingman.

Strelets also highlighted the Su-57D’s role as a platform for testing advanced artificial-intelligence capabilities, including sensor fusion, target recognition, mission planning, electronic warfare and drone command. The design bureau indicated that additional operational roles could be explored as the technology matures. Western observers have long speculated that the Su-57D might focus on electronic-warfare missions, and they note that China has already produced a two-seat version of its J-20 fighter, while the U.S. counterparts F-22 and F-35 remain single-seat aircraft.