Published: Sep 09, 2026, 08:35 IST | Updated: Sep 09, 2026, 08:35 IST
Russia is adapting its Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter to function as an airborne mothership capable of launching, recovering, and coordinating swarms of multi-role mini-drones. This configuration allows the crewed aircraft to remain at a safe stand-off distance while dispatching low-observable unmanned vehicles for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes.