I look forward to new aircraft designs even be if its from the Iranians. There is a different set of challenges when designing an aircraft from nothing versus modifying one to suit better need. There are a whole set of reliability testing and safety testing that goes into designing a new model.
The Russians no doubt have decent reliability near that of the west or even surpassing it at times. Some of our designs lack in areas and so do the Russians. Being a lover of aviation I can not dismiss their aircraft. They have some wonderful planes and ideas. Reading the book Mig Pilot by John Barrow I recall of a Russian Mig-25 pilot that defected to Japan and landed his airplane intact for the US to inspect. The US feared this aircraft for years. They thought it was the best of the best. This fear lead the US to actually develop what the Russians did not even think aerodynamically possible. I believe resulting in the F-15.
When the US inspected this Mig they found out some thing about simplicity. When the US was using advanced materials and construction methods the Russians used steel and welded the aircraft together. They used what they had. Areas that did not need to be smooth used button head rivets to hold skin together. This was a different method than the US used.
The Mig was only good for its intended roll. That roll was interception of fast bombers. This Mig was not a dog fighter. This aircraft could not turn very well. This aircraft could not go very far. This aircraft fit its intended roll.
I would love to see an aircraft producer out there that will make fuel efficient, safe, reliable, and easy to maintain aircraft. Some thing that aircraft designers lack over the years is easy to maintain factor. Your aircraft reliability will go up if you make it easier to maintain. Do not make something that needs to be regularly serviced difficult to access. Lot of aerospace designs are made before the complete aircraft is done. They might design part that needs lubrication. They install lubrication fittings symmetrically across the part. These fittings need an adapter to take lube. This adapter is relatively large but works great when you have access to the area. Then when the designers put the part in the airplane they figure out a way to secure it to the airframe. They bolt it to the wall and put in long control rods to keep this part from moving around. You guessed it one of these control rods runs within an inch of this lubrication fitting.
Standard lubrication adapters are too large to fit this area. These normally would make the job a one man hassle free job. You have to find something that will fit. Using a needle adapter you need two guys one to operate the gun and the other to hold the adapter.
I would like to see Russian engine technology become more reliable. This is a hard thing to do.