Russia receives two new Su-57 fighters amid ongoing production challenges

The Russian Air Force has recently received two new Su-57 Felon fighters from Sukhoi. The delivery, which included the acceptance of these aircraft after comprehensive factory tests and operational trials, was depicted through shared images and videos. 

This latest shipment follows the December 2023 delivery, though the exact number of aircraft then was not disclosed, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Sukhoi's First Deputy General Director, Vladimir Artyakov, praised the Su-57s for their exceptional flight capabilities and noted that additional batches of the advanced fighter are in various stages of preparation. 
The Su-57, currently Russia's most advanced front-line aircraft, is central to the nation's efforts to enhance its fleet with fifth-generation fighters.

However, the Su-57 program faces significant challenges. On June 8, 2024, a Ukrainian drone successfully targeted a Su-57 parked at the Akhtubinsk airfield, marking the first confirmed damage to Russia’s top fifth-generation fighter in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian military intelligence released satellite images suggesting damage to at least one, possibly two Su-57s, though the extent of the damage remains unconfirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defence.

This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of advanced aircraft to drone attacks, especially when stationed at airbases. The Akhtubinsk facility is crucial for testing and operating the Su-57, which is intended to rival the US F-22 and other fifth-generation jets.

As of 2024, estimates suggest the Russian Air Force has received between 14 and 22 Su-57s. Production, which began with the first delivery in late 2020, is increasing despite facing sanctions and supply chain issues. Russia aims to deliver 76 Su-57s by 2028, with production expanding through new facilities at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant.

Western military analysts remain skeptical about the Su-57's capabilities, questioning its stealth and overall effectiveness compared to the F-35 and F-22. Concerns about the Su-57's radar signature and production quality persist, suggesting that while the Su-57 is a significant technological endeavor, its practical impact in modern air combat remains debated.