Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon" (Formerly PAK-FA): Modern Status Report Program Status Update (2026): Long emerged from its initial 2010 prototype phase, the Perspektivny Aviatsionny Kompleks Frontovoy Aviatsii (PAK-FA) program has finalized its designation as the Su-57 (NATO reporting name: Felon ). It has transitioned from a highly classified, speculative technology demonstrator into an active, combat-tested serial production airframe, though it continues to face persistent industrial bottlenecks and localized upgrades. A Sukhoi Su-57 Felon multirole stealth fighter executing a steep climb during initial flight profile verification. Technical Configuration & Evolutionary Philosophy While early 2010s analysts frequently branded the aircraft a "Raptor-ski," modern Western and Russian defense consensus highlights a distinct divergence in design philosophy compared to the American Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. The Su-57 d...