Kyiv, — April 20, 2026 : Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence Directorate (GUR) has published detailed findings identifying 103 Russian enterprises involved in the production of the Su-57 multirole fighter aircraft, revealing that approximately one-third of these entities remain outside international sanctions regimes.
The data, released on the Ukrainian government’s War & Sanctions portal on April 20, 2026, includes a comprehensive breakdown of the aircraft’s industrial network along with an interactive three-dimensional model illustrating how each company contributes to the platform’s systems and components.
Supply Chain Mapping and Sanctions Gaps
According to the GUR, roughly 34 of the 103 identified companies have not been sanctioned by any member of the international sanctions coalition. Ukrainian intelligence assessed that this gap enables continued access to foreign technologies and components necessary for sustaining Russia’s military aviation programs.
In its official statement accompanying the publication, the agency noted that the absence of restrictions on these firms allows them to procure critical inputs without limitation, thereby supporting ongoing aircraft production despite broader sanctions imposed on Russia’s defense sector.
The published dataset outlines cooperative links among all 103 enterprises, providing a system-level view of the Su-57 production chain. The interactive model assigns specific components and subsystems of the aircraft to each participating organization, offering a structured visualization of industrial dependencies.
Key Enterprises in the Production Network
Among the companies identified, several play specialized roles in the aircraft’s development and manufacturing process.
Krasny Oktyabr, located in St. Petersburg, produces auxiliary power units and gas turbine-based onboard power systems used in the Su-57.
The National Institute of Aviation Technologies is responsible for designing advanced multifunctional cockpit glazing, including silicate-based transparent structures used in pilot interfaces.
The Institute of Theoretical and Applied Electrodynamics of the Russian Academy of Sciences develops and applies radar-absorbing materials and coatings, which are integral to reducing the aircraft’s radar signature.
YASHZ Avia manufactures aircraft tires designed to withstand the operational requirements of high-performance fighter jets such as the Su-57.
Development Background and Manufacturing Structure
The Su-57 fighter was developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau as Russia’s fifth-generation combat aircraft program. Serial production is carried out at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAZ), which operates under the United Aircraft Corporation.
Development of the aircraft began in the early 2000s, with the prototype completing its first flight on January 29, 2010. The Russian Armed Forces inducted the first serially produced Su-57 into service at the end of 2020.
As of 2026, analysts estimate that approximately 42 units, including prototypes, have been produced. The program has recently incorporated the “Izdeliye 30” (Stage 2) engine, designed to enable sustained supersonic flight without afterburner use, commonly referred to as supercruise capability.
Export Activity and International Interest
The continued operation of unsanctioned suppliers has supported both domestic production and export activity. In April 2026, Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport announced new export contracts for the Su-57E variant during the Defence Services Asia (DSA-2026) exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur.
Algeria remains the only confirmed foreign operator of the export variant. Deliveries to Algeria began in late 2025 following a reported agreement for 14 aircraft valued at approximately $2 billion.
Russian officials indicated that the number of prospective customers is increasing. Available data points to ongoing negotiations with India regarding licensed production arrangements, as well as reported interest from countries including North Korea, Iran, and Vietnam.
Industrial Constraints and Procurement Channels
Despite the continued functionality of parts of the supply chain, the Su-57 program faces industrial challenges. Ukrainian intelligence and independent assessments indicate that Russia has relied on intermediary channels to obtain microelectronics and other restricted components, particularly through third-party routes involving Kazakhstan and China.
These procurement methods have increased costs and contributed to slower-than-anticipated production rates, even as assembly continues.
Operational Context and Targeting
The Su-57 has also been targeted during the ongoing conflict. On June 8, 2024, Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes on the Akhtubinsk airfield in Russia’s Astrakhan region. Russian sources later acknowledged that two Su-57 aircraft were damaged while stationed on the ground.
The incident marked one of the first confirmed strikes against the aircraft and demonstrated its vulnerability when deployed at fixed airbases.
Strategic Objective of the Disclosure
The GUR stated that the publication of the 103-company network is intended to support international efforts aimed at tightening sanctions enforcement and identifying remaining gaps.
By documenting the structure of the production ecosystem and highlighting unsanctioned participants, Ukrainian authorities aim to facilitate additional restrictive measures targeting suppliers that continue to enable Russia’s advanced military aviation capabilities.
The War & Sanctions platform is expected to be updated with further data as investigations into Russia’s defense-industrial networks continue.
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