Russia’s Air Force Commander Sergey Kobylash has confirmed that the Su‑57 fifth generation fighter is now the central element for achieving Russian air superiority, with the fleet expanding to around 50–60 aircraft and playing a decisive role in both deep strike and defensive operations, Military Watch Magazine reported.

He emphasised that the fighter has reached a qualitatively new level, capable of engaging cruise missiles, drones, and delivering precision strikes far beyond the front line.

The Su‑57 was in service in very limited numbers when hostilities began in 2022, with fewer than six delivered. Despite this, Western and Ukrainian assessments indicated that even the small fleet was deployed for diverse missions including air‑to‑air combat, suppression of hostile air defences, and precision strikes. As the fleet grew, the intensity and complexity of operations steadily increased.

By 2024 Ukrainian sources reported intensified Su‑57 strikes, with formations of the aircraft operating by 2025.

Reports highlighted coordinated missions where one fighter provided cover with long‑range R‑77M missiles while others launched Kh‑69 cruise missiles or precision bombs.

This demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to combine stealth, advanced sensors, and versatile weaponry in complex combat scenarios.

The Su‑57’s combat potential for air‑to‑air operations is significantly higher than other Russian fighters. Its stealth shaping, sensor fusion, and avionics make it unrivalled within the Russian fleet.

Kobylash stressed that aviation and munitions had reached a new level, enabling effective engagement of aerial targets and precision strikes deep into enemy territory — roles previously reserved for long‑range cruise missiles launched by bombers or naval assets.

The fighter has also been combat tested more intensively than its U.S. and Chinese rivals, reflecting Russian doctrine that integrates air‑to‑ground missiles earlier in development.

Su‑57s are the only fighters known to have operated in heavily defended Ukrainian airspace, underscoring confidence in their survivability. Their missions have included air defence suppression, air‑to‑air combat, and precision strikes in contested zones.

Despite these advances, the Su‑57 remains behind the U.S. F‑35 and China’s J‑20 in terms of fleet size and certain capabilities.

Nevertheless, Russia’s approach has prioritised operational testing and integration of advanced strike weapons, making the Su‑57 a cornerstone of its evolving airpower program. The aircraft’s role as both a strike platform and interceptor reflects a broader doctrinal shift towards flexible, multi‑role employment.

The Su‑57’s growing prominence also signals Russia’s intent to strengthen its air defence network against drones and cruise missiles, while simultaneously projecting power through precision strikes. Kobylash’s remarks confirm that the fighter is no longer a niche asset but a central pillar of Russian Aerospace Forces strategy, bridging the gap between traditional fighters and long‑range strike systems.

Agencies