Defence

Russian Su-57 Fighter Secures First International Sale at Zhuhai Airshow

Russia made a stunning impression at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow, one of the world’s premier aviation events.

Amid dazzling aerobatic displays and cutting-edge aircraft unveilings, the spotlight fell on Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, the nation’s most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter.

Making its international debut, the Su-57 not only wowed attendees with its futuristic design and unparalleled capabilities but also secured its first-ever export contract, marking a historic milestone for Russia’s defense industry.

HAL to Restart Su-30MKI Jet Manufacturing at Nashik Facility

The Su-57’s debut, however, wasn’t without fierce competition. China’s J-35 stealth fighter captivated attendees and emerged as the showstopper of the event. su-57 vs f-22 Yet, the Felon managed to maintain the spotlight with the groundbreaking announcement of its first international buyer—though Russia has chosen to keep the purchaser’s identity a closely guarded secret.

State arms exporter Rosoboronexport confirmed the sale during the airshow. CEO Alexander Mikheev shared with Russian media that the Su-57 has officially entered the global market with signed contracts, sparking intense curiosity about the mysterious client.

“The military-technical sector should introduce new types of weapons and military equipment to the market. We’ve already signed contracts for the Su-57,” Mikheev stated during an interview with the Russia-1 TV channel.

China Takes the Lead in Sixth-Generation Fighters with White Emperor B

This development comes as negotiations with other potential buyers are reportedly in advanced stages. Countries like Egypt and Vietnam have previously shown interest in acquiring advanced Russian military hardware, adding to speculation about the identity of the new Su-57 operator.

While details of the contract, including the number of aircraft purchased, remain undisclosed, the announcement has ignited widespread discussion across social media and defense circles.

Some analysts hailed it as a major achievement for Russian aerospace, while others expressed skepticism, questioning whether the deal was a strategic maneuver to bolster the Su-57’s market image.

Defence

Turkey’s ANKA-3: A Game-Changer in Military Aviation with Remote-Controlled Innovation

Turkey has emerged as an advanced player in the field of military technology, making significant strides in the development of aircraft, drones, and fighter systems.

A key aspect of Turkey’s defense strategy is its aim to reduce reliance on foreign military equipment and to foster a robust domestic defense industry.

A key part of this effort is the development of the ANKA-3, a next-generation stealth unmanned combat drone created by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Qatar Airways Cargo and Japan Airlines Expand Cargo Partnership

This groundbreaking drone recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in history to be controlled from another aircraft, showcasing remarkable advancements in remote control capabilities for military aviation.

The ANKA-3 is not just an isolated innovation; it is part of a broader Turkish drone ecosystem that includes the Şimşek and Süper Şimşek drones. These unmanned systems work collaboratively to enhance Turkey’s aerial capabilities, contributing to a robust and integrated approach to modern warfare.

As production of the ANKA-3 ramps up, TAI plans to deliver multiple units by 2028, reflecting Turkey’s ambition to bolster its domestic defense industry while reducing reliance on foreign military equipment.

British Airways Introduces Holiday Menu and Festive Lounges for UK Flyers

The emergence of the ANKA-3 aligns with a global trend toward integrating unmanned systems into military operations. Its unique capabilities have drawn international interest, with countries like Indonesia expressing a keen interest in acquiring similar technologies.

The ANKA-3 is powered by a single AI-322 engine, achieving a maximum speed of 450 knots and a service ceiling of 12,000 meters (39,000 feet), with a maximum operational altitude of 40,000 feet. Future iterations of the drone are expected to be larger and equipped to carry heavier payloads, necessitating an optimized design for supersonic speeds.

KAI Developing Advanced AI Pilot for FA-50 to Compete with JF-17 & Tejas

The ANKA-3 provides air forces with the ability to conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes in contested environments while minimizing risks to human pilots. This capability is especially crucial for deep missions in heavily defended areas, where traditional approaches face increased danger from radar and missile defense systems.

Moreover, the ability to control these drones from manned aircraft enhances responsiveness to changing tactical situations, allowing for rapid deployment and coordination with combat aircraft for targeted strikes or enemy defense suppression.