Su-57’s Growing Role in Ukraine Conflict

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Russia Increases Deployment Of Su-57 Stealth Fighters In ukraine Conflict

February 29, 2024

Russia Is Significantly Expanding The Operational Use Of Its Advanced Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter Jets Within Ukraine, According to Recent Reports. Multiple Sources, Including The Aviation Observer Group “Sonyashnyk,” Which Maintains Close ties To Ukrainian Military Analysts, Indicate A Notable Escalation In Both The Frequency And Complexity Of Su-57 Missions.

These Developments Suggest A Strategic Shift By Russian Forces, Who Are Apparently Focusing On Optimizing The Fighter’s armament Capabilities And Evaluating Its Performance in Real-World Combat Scenarios. The Increased presence Of The Su-57 Represents A Potential Intensification Of Air Operations Over Ukraine.

The Su-57, Russia’s Fifth-Generation Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft, Is Designed For Air Superiority And Precision Strike Missions. Its Stealth Features Are Intended To Reduce Its Radar Cross-Section, Making It more Tough To detect By Enemy Air Defenses. The Deployment of Such A Sophisticated Asset Highlights The Importance Russia Places On Achieving Air Dominance In The Ongoing Conflict.

Reports Detail That Russian Pilots Are Experimenting With Various Weapon Systems On The Su-57, Including Air-To-Air And Air-To-Ground Munitions. This Testing Phase Is Crucial For Refining Tactics And Maximizing The Aircraft’s Effectiveness Against Ukrainian Forces. Analysts Are Closely Monitoring These Developments To Assess The Potential Impact On the battlefield.

While The Exact Number Of Su-57s Involved In The Operations Remains Unclear, The Growing Frequency Of Sightings And Reports Suggests A Intentional Effort To Integrate The Fighter More Fully Into The russian Air Campaign. This Increased Utilization Could Signal A Change In Russia’s Approach To Air Warfare In Ukraine. Further Information Can Be Found At air Force Technology.

The Ukrainian Air Force Continues To monitor The Su-57’s Activities And Is Adapting Its Strategies To Counter The Threat Posed By This Advanced Aircraft. The Conflict In Ukraine is Serving As A Testing Ground For Both Sides, Providing Valuable Insights Into The Capabilities And Limitations Of Modern Combat Aircraft. For More Details On The Conflict, See The Council on Foreign Relations.

The Su-57 Felon Is A twin-Engine,Stealth Fighter Developed By Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau. It Is Characterized By Its Advanced Avionics, Internal Weapons Bays, And Supercruise Capability. The Aircraft Represents A Important Advancement In Russian Military Aviation Technology.

The Development Of The Su-57 Has Been Ongoing For Several Years, Facing Numerous Delays And Challenges. Despite These Obstacles, Russia Has Continued To Invest In The Program, Recognizing The strategic Importance Of Having A Fifth-Generation Fighter In its Arsenal. Learn More About The Su-57’s Development At Janes.

frequently Asked Questions About The Su-57 In Ukraine

• What Is The Su-57 Fighter jet? The Su-57 Is Russia’s Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter, Designed For Air Superiority And precision Strikes.
• Why Is Russia Increasing Su-57 Deployments? Russia Is likely Refining Tactics, Testing Armaments, And Assessing The Aircraft’s Performance In Combat.
• is The Su-57 truly Stealth? The Su-57 Incorporates Stealth Features To Reduce Its radar Signature, Though Its Level Of Stealth Is Debated.
• What Weapons Does The Su-57 Carry? It Can Carry A variety Of Air-To-Air And Air-To-Ground Missiles, As Well As Bombs, Both Internally And Externally.
• How Does Ukraine Respond To The Su-57 Threat? The Ukrainian Air Force Is Adapting Its Strategies And Utilizing Its Air defense Systems To counter The Su-57.
• What Is The Significance Of The su-57’s Use In Ukraine? It Represents A Potential Escalation In The Conflict And A Testing Ground For Advanced Fighter Technology.
• Where Can I Find More Information On The Russia-Ukraine Conflict? Reputable Sources Include The Council On Foreign Relations (https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker
  
  

  What are the observed strengths and weaknesses of the Su-57 revealed by its deployment in the Ukraine conflict?

  Initial Deployments and Operational Context

  The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, russia’s fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft, has seen a gradually increasing, though carefully managed, role in the Ukraine conflict. Initially, deployments were limited, largely due to concerns over exposing the relatively small number of operational aircraft to potential losses. Early reports in 2022 indicated Su-57s operating from airbases further inland, primarily conducting long-range air-to-ground missions using precision-guided munitions. These missions focused on suppressing Ukrainian air defenses and targeting critical infrastructure.

  Limited Initial exposure: Russia prioritized protecting its advanced aircraft, restricting Su-57 operations to lower-risk environments.

  Stand-off Strikes: Early engagements largely involved launching missiles from outside the range of most Ukrainian air defense systems.

  Air superiority Role (Limited): While designed for air superiority, the Su-57’s initial role didn’t heavily emphasize direct aerial combat.

  Confirmed Losses and Adaptations

  Despite efforts to minimize risk, several Su-57s have been confirmed as lost or damaged during the conflict. reports from open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources, including photographic evidence, suggest losses due to Ukrainian attacks on airbases and potentially during operational missions. These losses prompted a shift in russian tactics.

  Confirmed Losses (as of August 2025): At least three Su-57s have been independently verified as destroyed or heavily damaged. (Sources: Oryx, various OSINT analysts).

  Base Defense Enhancements: Following attacks on airbases hosting Su-57s, Russia substantially bolstered base defenses with increased anti-aircraft systems and personnel.

  Dispersed Operations: A move towards more dispersed operations, utilizing forward operating bases and increased mobility, was observed to reduce vulnerability to strikes.

  Evolving Tactics and Mission Sets

  As the conflict progressed, the Su-57’s role has become more diversified. While still employed in precision strike missions, there’s evidence of increased utilization in electronic warfare (EW) and reconnaissance roles. The aircraft’s advanced sensors and jamming capabilities are proving valuable in disrupting Ukrainian communications and radar systems.

  Precision-Guided Munitions: The Su-57 continues to be a key platform for delivering Kh-31, Kh-35, and Kh-59 missiles against Ukrainian targets.

  Electronic Warfare (EW): The aircraft’s onboard EW suite is used to suppress Ukrainian air defenses and disrupt command and control networks.

  Reconnaissance and ISR: Utilizing its advanced radar and optical sensors, the Su-57 provides valuable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data.

  Integration with S-70 Okhotnik: Reports suggest testing and potential integration of the Su-57 with the S-70 Okhotnik, a Russian unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), for loyal wingman capabilities.

  Technological Assessments and Performance

  The Ukraine conflict has provided a real-world testing ground for the Su-57, revealing both its strengths and weaknesses. while the aircraft’s stealth characteristics and advanced avionics offer advantages, its limited numbers and reliance on specific support infrastructure pose challenges.

  Stealth Capabilities: The Su-57’s stealth features, while not comparable to the F-22 or F-35, provide a degree of reduced radar cross-section, complicating targeting by older air defense systems.

  Sensor Fusion: The aircraft’s advanced sensor fusion capabilities enhance situational awareness for pilots.

  Engine performance: Concerns remain regarding the reliability and performance of the Su-57’s engines, particularly the izdeliye 30 (Product 30) powerplant.

  Data Links & Networking: The effectiveness of the Su-57 is heavily reliant on robust data links and networking with other Russian assets, which have reportedly faced challenges.

  Impact on Future Fighter Growth

  The experiences gained from the Su-57’s deployment in Ukraine are likely to influence future Russian fighter aircraft development. Lessons learned regarding survivability, electronic warfare capabilities, and integration with unmanned systems will be crucial in shaping the next generation of Russian combat aircraft.

  * Emphasis on Survivability: Future designs will likely