The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have brought about significant changes in their approach to suppressing enemy air defenses, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with the deployment of the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet. This fifth-generation stealth aircraft, which is intended for multirole operations, has been incorporated into missions that require coordinated strikes against Ukrainian air defense systems. The Su-57s are deployed in groups, particularly in formations of four, and are connected through an integrated information network that is facilitated by the automated communication system S-111-N. Real-time data transmission, navigation, and target identification are made possible by this configuration, which improves operational efficiency and effectiveness in the face of hostile defenses.
According to reports, these aircraft have played a critical role in identifying and destroying Ukrainian air defense elements. It is worth noting that they have participated in attacks against critical military targets, such as the Darnytsia Car Repair Plant in Kyiv and numerous facilities in Dnipro. The Su-57’s capabilities are such that it can penetrate hostile airspace with reduced radar visibility, which makes it challenging for adversaries to detect and engage effectively.
The advanced electronics of the Su-57 are capable of pinpointing the locations of anti-aircraft batteries and radars, while Kalibr and Kh-series aerial missiles—which are frequently escorted by Geran and Gerbera drones—navigate their routes, confusing Ukrainian air defenses.
According to the Military Chronicle telegram channel, “Su-57 fighter jets have begun playing a key role in missile strikes. While Kalibr and Kh-101 missiles weave through routes, the fifth-generation fighters are clearing air defense systems. Once the task is complete, the Kalibrs suddenly ‘remember’ where they need to go and resume their mission.”
The combat effectiveness of the Su-57 is improved by its advanced features. It is less prone to detection by hostile radar systems due to its stealth capabilities, which reduce radar cross-section and integrate advanced electronic warfare systems. Furthermore, the aircraft’s thrust vectoring engines facilitate exceptional agility and maneuverability, thereby enabling it to execute intricate aerial maneuvers that improve its combat survivability. The Su-57 is capable of deploying a diverse array of munitions, such as Kalibr and Kh-type missiles for long-range strikes and anti-radiation missiles such as the Kh-58UShKE to target enemy radar installations. This adaptability enables it to effectively engage a variety of targets.
Su-57s reportedly targeted Ukrainian air defense systems in Kyiv and Vasylkiv during the assaults on December 31, 2024, which allowed bombers to execute additional strikes. This strategy of suppressing air defenses was necessary in the context of the subsequent attacks on January 14, 2025. Despite Ukraine intercepting a substantial number of missiles and drones, the Su-57’s role in degrading these defenses likely facilitated the successful delivery of some munitions that caused damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Since the beginning of 2024, the tactic of integrating loitering munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of a broader strategy to expose and subsequently neutralize air defense systems has been observed. At least 30 Su-57 fighters are presently in operation by the VKS, according to estimates. This expanding fleet enables more intricate mission planning that exceeds the capabilities of older aircraft, such as the Su-35S or Su-30SM, which are at a higher risk of being intercepted when entering contested airspace.
Military Watch magazine emphasized the modernization of the Russian Su-57 aircraft in December 2024, observing its exceptional efficacy in the Ukrainian air defense zone. The publication underscores that the fighter’s stealth capabilities have been improved by the updated engine, which has also provided it with the highest thrust levels of any fighter presently in service worldwide. The report asserts that the Russian Air Force has demonstrated a high level of confidence in the Su-57’s stealth capabilities by deploying these fighters to combat areas with concentrated concentrations of Ukrainian air defenses. Nevertheless, specialists have noted that the Su-57 was not specifically designed for deep stealth operations into enemy territory, in contrast to its American and Chinese counterparts. Rather, the primary objective during its development was to minimize the need for maintenance. This was accomplished through the use of inventive solutions, such as radar-absorbing glass fiber. Compared to American stealth fighters, which typically incur higher operational expenses, this design approach has the potential to enable the Su-57 to maintain lower operating costs.
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