The Russian Air Force has begun to use the newest Su-57 fighters more frequently and more extensively in missions over Ukraine, Russian, Western and Ukrainian publications report. So far, the fighter jet with the NATO designation Felon has had an almost symbolic role in the conflict.
However, according to Ukrainian data, the fighters have now begun to operate in groups, with two aircraft armed with X-69 missiles for hitting ground targets in one formation, while the third aircraft with P-77M air-to-air missiles прикрива.
In addition, photos and information have appeared on social networks that other weapons for the Cy-57 are being tested in combat conditions. Among them is the hybrid between the drone and the C-71K missile, as well as the large hypersonic missile "Dagger". This is a serious problem for the Ukrainian ΠBO, but also for the Russians, since until now the only suitable platform for it was the converted old MiG-31K fighters.
It has been 15 years since the first flight of the Cy-57, and the program for its development was accompanied by all sorts of delays and problems, as the fighter required a real technological leap for the Russian aircraft industry, at that - against the background of tightening Western sanctions.
The numbers thus produced at the moment barely exceed 50, especially considering that even Moscow's official goal was to have 76 aircraft ready by 2028. For comparison, over 1,200 of the similar American F-35 have already been delivered. number, and up to 170 are added annually.
Russia initially did not engage the Cy-57 in reconnaissance missions over Ukraine due to concerns that the technology used in it could fall into the hands of HATO. Considering the huge losses of the Cy-34 and Cy-35 flying over the front every day, it is not difficult to understand what was being said in Moscow.
Since drone attacks destroyed a large part of the Russian strategic aviation, and the airfields closer to the front were hit by drones literally every day, these considerations are obviously not so important. valid.
There are also purely economic issues. The only reliable export deal for the Cy-57 is with Algeria. China already has its own J-35 and is unlikely to seek an imported fighter. Moscow is offering India a lucrative deal with the possibility of local production, but the country is in a difficult position. According to some analysts, despite the deteriorating relations with the United States, Russia will not buy a new Russian fighter jet, so as not to incur even more problems with Washington.
So Russia needs to find new customers for its most modern fighter jet. And this is unlikely to happen if it keeps it away from the front.