Reports reveal that Russian Su-57 fighter jets are active in the skies over Ukraine’s Luhansk region, and may have been involved in recent strikes against Ukrainian positions. The Su-57s, stealthy fifth-generation fighter jets, represent a new threat to Ukraine, which is still awaiting promised Western F-16s for its defense.
Recent reports suggest that Russia is using its Su-57 fighter jets in the conflict in Ukraine, raising concerns about the impact of these fifth-generation aircraft on the already tense situation in the region. While Ukraine is still awaiting delivery of the Western F-16s promised for its defense, Russia’s Su-57s could be a game-changer on the battlefield. This article examines the information available on the alleged use of Su-57s in Ukraine, the characteristics of these aircraft and the implications for the ongoing conflict.
Su-57s in Ukrainian skies
According to the eRADAR channel on Telegram, which has close links with the Ukrainian military, Russia’s new-generation Su-57 multi-role fighter jets are active in the skies over Ukraine’s Luhansk region. It would appear that Russian Su-57s have been involved in recent missile strikes against Ukrainian positions along the front line.
This use of Su-57 fighter jets by Russia raises major concerns, as these fifth-generation aircraft feature advanced stealth technologies and state-of-the-art performance. Russia delivered its first Su-57 to the Russian army in 2020, and its fleet is expected to reach around 22 aircraft by the end of next year, eventually expanding to 76 by 2028. These figures testify to Russia’s growing power in military aviation.
The Su-57 in action
The Russian Su-57 made its combat debut in Syria in 2018, where it was involved in operations in support of the Assad regime. Since then, it has been used repeatedly by Russian forces, raising concerns about its ability to evade opposing air defense systems and launch accurate strikes.
In May 2022, there were unconfirmed reports of the Su-57 being used against Ukraine, launching missiles beyond the range of Kyiv’s air defense systems. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in an interview in August that the aircraft had performed exceptionally well. However, it is important to note that, throughout the conflict, the Russian military sometimes resorted to blatant manipulation and lies in its statements.
In January 2023, the UK Ministry of Defence also claimed that Russia had “almost certainly used” the Su-57 in its conflict with Ukraine. While these allegations lack publicly available irrefutable evidence, they do raise significant concerns about the potential impact of these advanced fighter jets on the ongoing conflict.
The Consequences of Su-57 Use in Ukraine
The alleged use of Russian Su-57s in Ukraine has major implications for the ongoing conflict. Firstly, the Su-57s are fifth-generation stealth aircraft equipped with advanced radar camouflage technologies, making them extremely difficult to detect and shoot down. This means that Ukrainian air defenses may have difficulty countering these aircraft, endangering Ukrainian forces on the ground.
What’s more, the Su-57s are equipped with precision strike capabilities, which could enable Russia to target Ukrainian military positions with great accuracy. This could have a significant impact on the battlefield, particularly if Ukrainian forces do not have adequate means to counter such attacks.
The failure to deliver the F-16s promised to Ukraine further aggravates the situation, as these Western fighter jets could have provided a more effective air defense against Russian aircraft. The Russian Su-57s could thus have a strategic advantage over Ukraine, which could influence the outcome of the conflict.
Finally, the alleged use of Su-57s reinforces the need for Ukraine to receive additional military support from the international community. Ukrainian authorities have already called for more help in dealing with the Russian threat, and the use of these advanced fighter jets only reinforces this demand.
The alleged use of Russian Su-57 fighter jets in Ukraine raises legitimate concerns about the impact of these fifth-generation aircraft on the ongoing conflict. Their ability to evade Ukrainian air defenses and launch precise strikes could be a game-changer on the ground. What’s more, the failure to deliver the F-16s promised to Ukraine is exacerbating the situation, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to Russian advances.
It is essential that the international community closely monitors developments in Ukraine and offers adequate support to the Ukrainian authorities in dealing with this threat. The implications of the alleged use of Su-57s go far beyond the battlefield, also affecting international relations and regional stability. It is therefore crucial to keep a close eye on further developments in this complex situation.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.