The Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet, touted as Russia’s most advanced combat aircraft, was expected by Vladimir Putin to play a decisive role in the Ukraine war. However, the Kremlin’s alleged wonder weapon has repeatedly distinguished itself through technical problems and apparently was only rarely used in the fights against Kyiv.
So far, there are no confirmed sightings of the Su-57 over Ukraine, but there is speculation about their possible involvement in attacks against Ukrainian targets.
The Sukhoi Su-57 represents Russia’s answer to the most modern fighter jets of other nations, being one of only three countries, alongside the USA and China, to have produced a stealth multi-role fighter jet. The development of the Russian fighter jet, known under the name “Felon,” took nearly ten years and was touted by Russian propaganda as a potential turning point in the Ukraine war. However, the reality shows that technical difficulties and budget issues have slowed down the Su-57. Currently, only about a dozen of these fighter jets are in operation, and production is further hindered by Western sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict.
Although the modern Su-57 fighter jet is undoubtedly powerful, its potential in the Ukraine war is not being fully realized, according to the German news website Münchner Merkur, which refers to the Kyiv Post. Despite the lack of official sightings, the absence of the fighter jet in the war scenario does not rule out Russian operations with this type of aircraft. A report by the British intelligence service in January suggested that Putin is likely conducting missions with the Su-57, but there have been no confirmations so far.
Image: Kremlin.ru, Direct Line with Vladimir Putin (2021-06-30) 16.jpg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (Image size changed)
_16.jpg){kind=link}