MOSCOW, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Russia's next-generation Sukhoi T-50 stealth fighters are being tested for integration with missiles and bombs, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said Tuesday.

"Aviation weapons including guided air-to-air, air-to-surface missiles and bombs are being integrated on the fighter T-50, and the aircraft systems are being evaluated," Borisov told the state-run Rossiyskaya Gazeta daily.

"During the test, all of its fighting qualities can be confirmed, so this stage is very important," he added.

Borisov stressed that the T-50 PAK FA fighter would promote the capabilities of Russia's combat aircraft fleets.

The T-50 fighter, a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter, is the first operational aircraft using stealth technology to serve in Russia's air force.

Designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, the aircraft will be used to achieve air superiority and assist in ground attacks.

The T-50 prototype first flew in January 2010. Its current versions are fitted with first-stage AL-41F1S turbofan engines manufactured by Russia's aircraft engine maker NPO Saturn.

The second-stage, more powerful engines, designated as Izdeliye 30, are slated for production this year, ahead of the aircraft's planned mass production and delivery in 2018.