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Russia Deploys Su-57 Stealth Fighters Over Ukraine in Bid to Prove Combat Readiness
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia has expanded the operational use of its Su-57 Felon stealth fighter jets in Ukraine, with reports indicating more frequent missions and broader roles for the aircraft.
According to Defense Blog, citing the aviation-focused group “Sonyashnyk” on August 5, the Su-57 is now regularly used in combat operations, with Russian forces refining its weapons loadouts and testing coordinated air tactics.
The reports suggest that Russia is employing the Su-57 in multi-aircraft formations, integrating it into strike missions deep into Ukrainian territory.
One typical configuration involves a Su-57 providing cover with long-range R-77M air-to-air missiles, while other aircraft conduct precision strikes using Kh-69 cruise missiles or guided bombs.
Open-source intelligence also points to the use of a new type of guided munition, potentially identified as the Su-71K—a hybrid drone-missile system. This weapon is believed to have enhanced radar evasion features and high maneuverability, further indicating an effort by Russia to adapt its aerial tactics against Ukraine’s evolving air defenses.
These developments reflect a broader trend of combat testing fifth-generation capabilities under wartime conditions. The Su-57, still in limited serial production, has previously been deployed in a support role.
In one incident in October 2024, the jet reportedly escorted a prototype of the S-70 Okhotnik heavy strike drone. Following a technical failure mid-flight, the Su-57 destroyed the malfunctioning drone under what was described as a pre-planned protocol.
Originally developed under the designation T-50, the Su-57 first flew in 2010. The program has experienced significant delays and setbacks, including India’s withdrawal from a joint development plan. The exit removed a key funding partner and reduced the fighter’s projected export potential.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western sanctions have further disrupted the aircraft’s production and limited its appeal on the global defense market.
While Moscow has sought to promote the Su-57 to international buyers—offering joint assembly proposals to countries such as India and Algeria—no confirmed foreign contracts have been publicly announced.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the scale or scope of Su-57 operations over Ukraine. However, its increasing presence in combat zones may be intended to demonstrate the platform’s operational value to potential buyers.
With production still progressing slowly and limited to small numbers annually, the Su-57's performance in Ukraine is likely being used to validate its role within the Russian Air Force and to support ongoing export efforts.
Earlier in May 2025, Russia quietly began arming its MiG-31 interceptor jets with the long-range KS-172 air-to-air missile, capable of striking targets over 400 kilometers away—well beyond the reach of current Western equivalents.
