The supersonic fighter jet Sukhoi Su-57 is the combat aircraft par excellence of the Russian Air Force. He is considered a showpiece in modern warfare. However, the jet is not used in the war in Ukraine – at least not directly.
As the news site “Business Insider” reports, the Russians are limited to firing missiles from Russian airspace with the fighter jet. The latest photos allegedly show five Su-57s, NATO reporting name Felon, at Akhtubinsk airbase. The military airport is the only known Felon base and is located about 500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border as the crow flies.
Cost point: minimum 31 million Swiss francs
And perhaps many more Felon fighter jets were not built at all. In the past two years, eight should have been completed, but delivery problems meant only five. In total, the Russian army has ordered 76 machines. Depending on the weapon system, the unit price starts at the equivalent of CHF 31 million.
But why are the best air forces not deployed in the war in Ukraine? The Kremlin fears the multimillion-dollar fighter jet could be shot down, according to the British Ministry of Defence.
The reputational damage would be enormous. In addition, shooting down the plane would reduce the plane’s export prospects and potentially reveal secret Russian war technologies.
According to the Ukrainian government, Russia has already lost more than 280 planes, more than 3,000 tanks and 16 warships. The Ukrainian army is said to have shot down more than 1,800 drones. (two)