Russia has worked to conceal its Su-57 fighter jets from the conflict in Ukraine due to fears of reputational damage if one were to be lost in combat, as per Western intelligence and aviation experts. However, Ukraine recently managed to inflict damage on one of Russia’s highly admired fifth-generation fighters in a long-range strike deep within Russian territory.
Reports indicate that a Su-57 was targeted for the first time on Saturday at Russia’s Akhtubinsk airfield, over 365 miles from the conflict zone, by Ukrainian forces. Despite the extent of the damage being uncertain and unverified at this time, satellite imagery shared by the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence suggests technical issues on the fighter as a result of the attack.
The Su-57, also known as the ‘Felon,’ has faced criticism from analysts for its technical shortcomings, including insufficient stealth capabilities. Although Russia has claimed the aircraft saw combat in Ukraine, evidence supporting these claims remains scarce.
The Ukrainian strike on the Su-57 has been described as a significant symbolic blow to Russia’s troubled program, though its impact on the ongoing conflict is deemed minimal due to the small fleet size and limited involvement of the aircraft. This event highlights Ukraine’s growing capabilities in conducting long-range strikes, posing a new challenge for Russian military facilities near the conflict zone.
As Moscow faces criticism for failing to protect its advanced aircraft, Ukraine’s utilization of long-range drones to target Russian military sites showcases the evolving dynamics of the conflict, with Kyiv gaining new options for strategic operations deep inside Russian territory.
