Article Posted on : - Aug 27, 2013

Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA during its maiden flight. Sukhoi Corporation press service Photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia is developing an unmanned sixth-generation fighter jet, a former Air Force Chief, Pyotr Deinekin, has said.

Deinekin told RIA Novosti news agency in an interview that development work on the sixth generation aircraft is in active phase and is most likely to be unmanned.

The former commander did not specify which design bureaus were working on the pilotless sixth-generation designs.

According to the news report, Russian military aircraft maker MiG is ready to go ahead with a research and development project for an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) based on its Skat prototype after signing a deal with the Trade and Industry Ministry.

The report quoting Mikhail Pogosyan, President of United Aircraft Corporation, also said Sukhoi would focus on creating reconnaissance and strike unmanned air vehicles (UAV) in the near future.

Russia is currently testing its prototype fifth-generation Sukhoi T-50 fighter, a manned aircraft that made its first public appearance two years ago.