In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, the General Staff of the Ukraine Armed Forces (GUR), has announced that it successfully struck a Russia Su-57 fighter jet stationed at the Akhtubinesk airbase in southern Russia. This marks the first-ever attack on Moscow’s latest generation stealth aircraft, highlighting Ukraine’s growing capabilities in countering Russia’s military assets.
The Su-57: Russia’s Flagship Stealth Fighter
The Su057 is a cutting-edge, fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to replace aging Soviet-designed fighter aircraft such as the Su-27 and MiG-29. With its advanced radar-evading capabilities and supersonic speeds, the Su-57 is a prized asset of the Russian military. However, its presence at the Akhtubinsk airbase, located approximately 589 kilometers (366 miles) from the frontlines, underscores the vulnerability of the Russian airbase to Ukraine drone strikes.
The Strike: A Strategic Blow to Russia
The GUR released satellite imagery showing the Su-57 fighter jet in its undamaged state on June 7 and with visible damage on June 8. The images, taken by Ukrainian military intelligence, provide conclusive evidence of the strike. The damage is believed to have been caused by Ukrainian-made combat drones, which have become a crucial component of Ukraine’s military strategy.
The strike on the Su-57 is a significant blow to Russia’s military capabilities, particularly given the aircraft’s advanced stealth features. The Su-57 is designed to evade detection by radar, making it a formidable asset in modern air warfare. However, its presence at the Akhtubinsk airbase, without adequate protection, has left it vulnerable to Ukrainian drone attacks.
Russia’s Response: Denial and Counter-Claims
Russia’s Defense Ministry has denied the strike, claiming that its forces downed three Ukrainian drones in the Astrakhan region on June 8. This response is consistent with Russia’s typical approach to downplaying or denying losses in the conflict. However, the GUR’s satellite imagery and Ukrainian sources confirm the damage to the Su-57, casting doubt on Russia’s claims.
Implications and Future Consequences
The strike on the Su-57 has significant implications for the ongoing conflict. It highlights Ukraine’s growling capabilities in countering Russia’s military assets and underscores the vulnerability of Russian airbases to drone attacks. The incident also raises questions about the security of Russian military installations and the potential for further escalation in the region.
In the short term, the damage to the Su-57 will likely hinder Russia’s military operations, particularly given the aircraft’s advanced stealth features. The incident may also prompt Russia to reevaluate its airbase security measures, potentially leading to the construction of reinforced aircraft shelters.
Damage Su-57 so far inside Russia
Ukraine successfully struck and damaged at least one Russian Su-57 stealth fighter jet stationed at the Akhtubinsk airbase in southern Russia, approximately 589 kilometers (366 miles) from the frontlines. The attack was carried out by Ukraine’s military intelligence using satellite imagery and low-cost Ukrainian drones.
Satellite images released by the Ukraine General Staff of the Armed Forces (GUR) showed the Su-57 intact on June 7, but visible damage and scorch marks on the tarmac on June 8. The extent of the damage remains uncertain, but it likely represents a significant symbolic blow to Russia’s long-troubled Su-57 program.
The strike emphasizes the vulnerability of Russian airbases near Ukraine to Ukrainian drone attacks. Ukraine has been using a variety of domestically produced drones, ranging from small propeller-driven craft to larger jet-powered drones, to carry out a harassment campaign deep inside Russia against military and energy installations.
The Su-57 is a rare asset in the Russian Aerospace Forces, with only around 15-20 likely in frontline service. The loss of one Su-57 airframe represents at least a 5% cut in Russia’s most advanced fighter fleet. Repairs will be expensive and time-consuming due to the limited availability of spare parts.
Russia has been cautious in deploying the Su-57 in the conflict, likely due to fears of reputational damage, reduced export prospects, and the compromise of sensitive technologies if one is shot down. The Ukrainian strike has proven that even Russia’s most advanced fighters are not safe from Ukrainian attacks deep inside Russian territory.
Conclusion
The strike on the Russia Su-57 fighter jet by Ukraine drones marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict. It demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capabilities in countering Russia’s military assets and underscores the vulnerability of Russian airbases to drone attacks. As the conflict continues to escalate, the implications of this incident will be closely watched, with potential long-term consequences for the security of both Ukraine and Russia.