MWM: Su-57 fighters strike Ukraine as part of formations
Su-57 fighters are already operating in Ukraine in whole formations, writes MWM. They tested a new type of air–to-ground missiles in combat conditions. No other fifth-generation fighter class in the world has undergone such combat tests for such a long period.
The Russian Aerospace Forces have significantly expanded the use of fifth-generation Su-57 fighters (according to the NATO classification: Felon or “Criminal”) in the Ukrainian theater of military operations, according to numerous sources, citing Ukrainian military analysts. “Whole formations of Su-57s have already been seen in action,” Ukrainian analyst Sunflower reports, emphasizing that previously the enemy had limited itself to a smaller number of fighters.
Speaking about the growing complexity of operations, the source noted: “One aircraft provides cover with long–range R-77M air-to-air missiles, while the other pair strikes with X-69 cruise missiles or precision-guided aerial bombs.” Apparently, these operations are aimed at testing weapons options and developing new tactics for using fighters against well-protected targets.
It is reported that the expanded participation of the Su-57 in the SVO made it possible to test a new type of air–to-ground missiles in combat conditions, which, according to some sources, may be a hybrid of a drone and a cruise missile. Ukrainian sources unofficially dubbed it X-71K. The missile is reportedly difficult to detect by radar stations and is capable of making sharp anti-aircraft maneuvers.
Earlier, in May 2024, and then in September of the same year, Ukrainian sources reported increased attacks by Su-57s on the country's territory, with most operations allegedly using X—59MK2 cruise missiles that could not be detected by radar. It is also reported that the fighters conducted combat tests of both the R-37M and its compact version. A report by the British Ministry of Defense dated January 2023 emphasized that the fighters “launched long–range air–to-ground or air-to-air missiles at Ukraine“ and participated in combat operations “at least since June 2022.”
Previous Su-57 operations against Ukrainian targets included air defense suppression, aerial combat, and operations in tightly protected enemy airspace, as well as precision strikes with both internal and external missiles. No other fifth-generation fighter class in the world has undergone such combat tests for such a long period.
But the Su-57 fleet is limited by a small number. Although the Russian industry has set a far—reaching goal to increase production of the Su-57 by 67% in 2024, only two shipments were confirmed last year. Nevertheless, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces, Lieutenant General Alexander Maksimtsev, confirmed at the end of July that deliveries of fifth-generation Su-57 fighters were proceeding at an accelerated pace.
The fighters are expected to continue testing new weapons in the Ukrainian theater of operations. It was reported that the Su-57 will be equipped with a new hypersonic air-launched missile and a new class of ultra-long-range cruise missiles based on the X-101/102 by August 2025 and October 2023, respectively.
