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Russia’s Su-57 Was Meant to Win in Ukraine—and Sell Globally. What Went Wrong?
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukrainian Air Force pilots have successfully countered attempts by Russia to showcase its Su-57 fighter jet in combat over Ukraine as a means of promoting the aircraft for export, according to Radio Svoboda, citing a Ukrainian MiG-29 pilot.
The Ukrainian fighter pilot, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, told Radio Svoboda as part of the “Donbas.Realities” project that Russian forces deployed Su-57 aircraft over Donetsk in an apparent effort to gain combat credibility for export purposes.
“To sell the Su-57, they needed to shoot down one of us,” the pilot said. He added that Ukrainian forces studied the Su-57’s operational behavior and implemented countermeasures to deny the Russian military any publicized success.
According to the pilot, a formation of three Su-57s appeared over Donetsk during operations, suggesting a deliberate move aimed at achieving air-to-air kills. However, these missions reportedly failed to result in any Ukrainian losses.
“They didn’t complete the mission. They didn’t advertise themselves. The planes weren’t sold,” the pilot said. He further noted that Su-57 flights are now sporadic and limited to the northern regions, operating quietly and without engagement.
The Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, has only one confirmed export customer—Algeria. That deal was publicly confirmed in February 2025, with the agreement reportedly signed in late 2024. Russia had tried to market the aircraft globally for over 16 years without success until the Algeria deal.
Russia has promoted the Su-57 as a next-generation fighter, despite criticisms that it lacks the full stealth capabilities and systems associated with other fifth-generation platforms.
The jet has been equipped with the “Izdeliye 117” engine and various avionics upgrades, but Western defense analysts have questioned its readiness and battlefield effectiveness.
Moscow has also targeted India as a potential buyer. Negotiations reportedly include offers to transfer technology, including engines, and allow integration of Indian-made weapons systems. Russian specialists have assessed India’s defense industry to evaluate its capacity for local production of the Su-57.
Earlier reporting by Frontelligence Insight, based on classified documents reviewed with Ukrainian OSINT firm Dallas, revealed that Russia’s Su-57 jets were delivered in incomplete configuration—lacking key targeting systems—despite costing over $37 million each. The omissions, linked to sanctions and procurement flaws, further undermined Moscow’s efforts to promote the aircraft for export.
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-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
