Russians Talk Up Their New Fighter

Jan. 20, 2006

The Russians are hard at work building their own fifth-generation tactical fighter aircraft, and it will be ready to field in 2007, according to Russian Air Force Commander in Chief Vladimir Mikhailov. A Russian news agency reports that Mikhailov claims the development is on schedule, despite loss of some funds that were diverted to civilian aircraft programs. He added that the Russian Air Force also plans to modernize its fleet of MiG-29s and MiG-31s and will receive new Su-34 bombers in 2006.

Related Content

Air Force Reveals First Image of LRSO Nuclear Cruise Missile

June 12, 2025
The Air Force has released its first artist's rendering of the AGM-181 Long-Range Stand-Off (LRSO) nuclear weapon, set to equip the B-52 circa 2030. The weapon is reminiscent of the AGM-129 Advanced Cruise Missile, which preceded it, and the AGM-158 JASSM; all three of which are stealthy missiles.

JetZero to Build Blended Wing-Body Aircraft in North Carolina

June 12, 2025
JetZero announced it will build its Z4 blended wing-body aircraft in Greensboro, N.C., where it's investing $4.7 billion and expects to create more than 14,000 jobs. The aircraft—being developed in part with Air Force funds—is potentially a disruptor in the airline/air cargo and Air Force airlift and aerial refueling markets,…

What Might the Future Hold for the F-35?

June 11, 2025
As futuristic aviation programs gain priority, the F-35—the only in-production, fifth-generation American fighter—is facing new headwinds. Fresh debate over its challenges and its potential in the coming months will shape its future role in the force. 

Defense Budget Debate Spotlights Republican Divide on Ukraine

June 11, 2025
Efforts to craft the Pentagon’s next budget has highlighted disagreement among Republicans on whether the U.S. should continue to support Ukraine in its three-year war with Russia, pitting some key GOP voices against the Trump administration on questions of military aid and larger concerns about America’s role on the world…

Hegseth Pitches $3.5 Billion For F-47 in 2026 Budget

June 10, 2025
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s first trip to Capitol Hill to argue for next year’s Pentagon budget shed new light on funding for some of the Air Force’s top-priority acquisition programs, even as the department continues to hide its 2026 request from view.