- Category
- Latest news
Why Is Russia Hiding Nearly Entire Su-57 Stealth Fleet at Remote Base Near China
- Authors
![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia has concentrated the majority of its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets at the Dzyomgi airbase in Khabarovsk region, approximately 280 kilometers from the Chinese border, according to satellite imagery analyzed by the AviVector project and published on February 9.
The imagery shows 15 Su-57 aircraft parked in the open at the airfield. In addition to these, the airbase hosts 18 Su-35S multirole fighters, three MiG-31BM interceptors, and two Mi-8 helicopters.
🔻 Satellite images of 🇷🇺 Dzyomgi Airport as of February 9, 01:57 UTC
— AviVector (@avivector) February 9, 2026
The air base housed 15 Su-57 (Felon), 18 Su-35S (Flanker-E), 3 MiG-31BM (Foxhound), and 2 Mi-8 (Hip).
Satellite imagery captured a record number of Su-57 in the open air for the first time.
Today, the United… pic.twitter.com/mwb2lMvbRK
According to AviVector, the total operational fleet of Su-57 jets remains small. At least 16 aircraft have been visually confirmed through open-source data, and a few more were reportedly delivered recently. Including prototypes and early serial production units, the total fleet is estimated at 20–25 aircraft.
The decision to cluster the aircraft at Dzyomgi is likely tied to its proximity to the Gagarin Aircraft Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. This facility, part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), is responsible for manufacturing the Su-57.
Experts suggest that some of the deployed jets may still be undergoing field testing and capability enhancement, requiring close support from the manufacturer.
-344963b1a1da1e4d67831cdd7050ec02.jpg)
The move may also reflect a strategic effort to protect Russia’s limited number of Su-57s from Ukrainian drone and missile attacks. The Dzyomgi airbase is situated far from the combat zone in Ukraine and is believed to be covered by a dense air defense network in the Far East.
In June 2024, at least two Su-57 aircraft were damaged during a Ukrainian drone strike on the Akhtubinsk airbase in Russia’s Astrakhan region. Russian media at the time reported serious damage to one aircraft, raising questions about whether it could be repaired.
The Su-57 is Russia’s flagship fifth-generation multirole fighter, designed to perform both air superiority and strike missions. It incorporates stealth features, advanced avionics, and supermaneuverability.
Despite its intended role as the cornerstone of future Russian tactical aviation, production has remained limited due to financial constraints, technological hurdles, and international sanctions affecting components and systems.
Earlier in June 2025, Russia redeployed a Tu-160 strategic bomber to Anadyr airbase near the US border, following Ukraine’s Operation “Spiderweb,” which damaged or destroyed a third of Russia’s strategic bombers in a coordinated drone strike.
Satellite imagery confirmed the aircraft’s arrival at the remote Chukotka site, marking a rare deployment far from Ukraine and potentially aimed at shielding key assets from future attacks.
-7f54d6f9a1e9b10de9b3e7ee663a18d9.png)
