Russia unveils new S-71K stealth missile for Su-57E amid potential sale to India
Russia has unveiled the S-71K stealth missile, a new air-launched weapon designed for the Su-57E fighter jet. The move comes as Moscow actively pursues a deal to sell the advanced aircraft and its associated technology to India.
Why it matters
The potential sale of advanced Russian stealth technology to India has significant implications for regional military balances and global defense markets.
Russia has publicly unveiled the S-71K Kovyor, a new air-launched stand-off weapon designed for its Su-57E fifth-generation fighter, during the El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt. The weapon was displayed alongside the S-71M Monokhrom as Russia showcased a new generation of air-launched systems that combine features of cruise missiles and low-cost attack drones.Russia is presenting the systems as a new class of relatively inexpensive stand-off weapons, aimed at giving its aircraft the ability to strike targets from a distance without relying solely on larger and more expensive cruise missiles.The aircraft was displayed with several air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons at El Alamein, while Russia's state-owned Rostec said the Su-57E would be shown with weapons that had not previously been demonstrated either in Russia or abroad.The S-71 family also reflects a shift in Russia's approach to stand-off warfare.
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