Russia is adding a new medium-range air-to-air missile to its Su-57E fighter, enhancing the aircraft’s ability to counter modern airborne threats.
The RVV-SDM missile combines inertial navigation, a radio update link, and an active/passive radar seeker to track targets
A passive radar homing channel also enables stealthier operation, launch-and-forget capability, more precise guidance, and greater resistance to electronic jamming.
The weapon can intercept targets traveling at speeds of up to Mach 3 (3,704 kilometers/2,301 miles per hour) at altitudes reaching 25 kilometers (15.5 miles).
It also features refined aerodynamics, an extended launch range, and an upgraded propulsion system with a higher power-to-weight ratio.
Designed to engage fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles, the RVV-SDM can also be integrated into other Russian-made aircraft with modifications and adapted for some foreign-made platforms.
Part of Export Weapons Package
Developed by Tactical Missiles Corporation, the RVV-SDM is being marketed by Rosoboronexport, a subsidiary of Rostec, as a key component of the Su-57E’s export weapons package.
The package also includes the RVV-MD2 short-range and RVV-BD long-range air-to-air missiles.
Completing the lineup are Kh-38MLE air-to-surface missiles, Kh-69 stealth cruise missiles, Kh-58UShKE anti-radar missiles, Kh-35UE anti-ship missiles, KAB-250LG-E guided bombs, and UPAB-1500B-E glide bombs.
These weapons are designed for internal carriage to preserve the fighter’s low radar signature while remaining compatible with external hardpoints.
