Timeline
17 events · 1974–2020
Every event is drawn from the entries’ own development histories — a view of the content, not a second dataset. Click a designation to open its entry.
1970s
AK-74 adopts the 5.45 mm cartridge
The Soviet response to the Western move to 5.56 mm.
1990s
T-90 enters service
A deep upgrade of the T-72B, originally designated T-72BU.
Enters service
2000s
T-90A adopts a welded turret
Replacing the cast turret with a welded one, improving internal volume and protection layout.
First flight
2010s
R-77-1 reverts to planar fins
Lattice fins dropped to cut drag and extend range — a design choice overruled by its own successor.
T-50 first flight
The original AK-12 proposal is rejected
A radical redesign turned down on cost and reliability grounds.
Delivered to operational units
Deployed to Syria
First combat deployment, flying escort and patrol missions.
Export to China
First deliveries — China's first Russian fighter purchase since the Su-30, and the Su-35's first export customer.
Officially designated Su-57
The conservative AK-12 is standardised
Returning to a mechanism close to the AK-74M, with changes concentrated in rails, stock, and selector.
Deployed to Syria
Two prototypes deployed briefly, widely assessed as a test and demonstration rather than combat employment.
First series aircraft lost
Crashed during a pre-delivery test flight, delaying the first delivery by a year.
2020s
T-90M deliveries begin
New fire control, panoramic sight, new turret, and enhanced armour.
First series aircraft delivered