Ukrainian Forces Reportedly Strike Russian Su-57 Fighter Jet at Airbase Inside Russia
Ukrainian forces have reportedly struck a latest-generation Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet at an airbase inside Russia, according to Kyiv's GUR defense intelligence agency. Satellite pictures shared by the GUR confirmed the attack, showcasing black soot marks and craters surrounding the parked aircraft. The GUR did not specify the details of the strike or the specific unit responsible for the attack, marking the first such incident. The Su-57, capable of carrying stealth missiles across long distances, was reportedly hit at the Akhtubinsk airfield, nearly 589km (366 miles) from Ukraine's front lines. This development marks the first combat loss of a Su-57, as assessed by Russian military blogger Fighterbomber.
The Su-57, touted as a fifth-generation fighter aircraft, has faced development delays and setbacks, including a crash in 2019. Despite efforts to bolster its fleet with new additions, the Su-57's combat capabilities have been called into question. With Ukraine focusing on long-range drones for strategic strikes, this incident underscores the ongoing conflict between the two nations amid a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022. The claimed attack, allegedly carried out by a drone, has not been officially addressed by Russia's Ministry of Defence or senior political figures. The Su-57's fate following the strike remains uncertain, pending further assessment of the damage incurred.
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