Russia develops Su-57D to command AI drone swarms

Russia is advancing its unmanned warfare capabilities through two distinct technological developments: the development of the Su-57D fighter jet and new acoustic-based drone tactics.

Mikhail Strelets, Director of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, revealed that the Su-57D, a two-seat variant of the fifth-generation Su-57, is being designed to serve as an aerial command post. This configuration allows one pilot to focus on flight and combat while a second operator manages “intelligent complexes” or swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Su-57D is also intended to serve as a testing platform for combat artificial intelligence.

Separately, Russian combat units are implementing a new ambush tactic using FPV drones equipped with acoustic microphones. Known as the “Zhduun” tactic, these drones can land and remain concealed in areas like ruins or yards to listen for approaching vehicle engines. The Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky (KVN) drones used in these operations are controlled via fiber-optic cables, making them immune to electronic warfare jamming and preventing detection by radio frequency scanners.