Russia’s Upgraded Su-57 Fighter Jets and Their Role in the Ukraine Conflict
Russia’s military recently took possession of updated Su-57 fighter jets. These are the country’s most advanced stealth aircraft, although they have played a limited role in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a state-controlled entity, announced the delivery of a new batch of Su-57s to the Russian air force. Russia’s defense ministry confirmed receipt but did not specify the number or elaborate on improvements.
The Su-57 is touted by Russia as a sophisticated, hard-to-detect aircraft, parallel to the U.S. F-35s and F-22s. However, many Western aviation experts question its stealth capabilities.
Technological Enhancements and Future Aspirations
Rostec, a major defense corporation, stated it would modify the Su-57 to include a “second cockpit” for drone coordination. They aim to integrate “sixth-generation technologies,” a nod to global efforts to develop leading-edge fighter jets. These future jets are expected to integrate more unmanned systems, deploying inexpensive drones for riskier tasks, reducing danger to pilots and costly aircraft.
Despite these developments, Western experts like Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute cast doubt on Russia’s potential to compete with advanced jet programs from countries like the U.S. and China.
Operational Performance and Usage in Ukraine
The Su-57 has been deployed for long-range attacks in Ukraine, yet analysts have criticized its performance and suggest Russia is hesitant to use its limited Su-57 fleet in high-risk environments. A Russian pilot endorsed the aircraft’s performance during operations, according to government statements.
The UAC confirmed the new jets underwent factory testing, piloted by Russian defense personnel. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha emphasized the priority of fulfilling defense tasks and improving production efficiency through collaboration with Rostec.
Production Setbacks, Fleet Numbers, and Incidents
Moscow faces challenges in increasing Su-57 production due to ongoing war demands. As of early 2026, Russia had at least 21 Su-57s, per the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Ukraine reported damaging at least one in June 2024, and later incidents included drone strikes reportedly impacting two Su-57s in the Chelyabinsk region.
A Russian Telegram channel, Fighterbomber, exhibited an image of what it claimed to be the Su-57D prototype in May. Meanwhile, reports surfaced in July of a Su-57 crashing during a routine training near Moscow, though the type of aircraft wasn’t specified by the defense ministry.
Russian media suggest Su-57s are employed to launch air-to-air missiles against Ukrainian drones targeting Russian facilities. This indicates the utilization of advanced jets to counter inexpensive UAV threats.