The Failure Of The Elite Su-57 Has Exposed The Vulnerability Of The Russian Aviation Industry
8- 24.07.2026, 14:03
- 3,786
Western and Ukrainian experts have repeatedly criticized the aircraft's specifications.
The Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet crashed during a training flight in the Odintsovo District of the Moscow Region, near Zvenigorod. The pilot managed to eject and, according to eyewitnesses, attempted to steer the malfunctioning aircraft away from residential buildings toward an open field, reports 19FortyFive (translation by Charter97.org).
The aircraft was severely damaged at the crash site, and photos from the scene suggest the aircraft may have been a total loss. The Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet provided any official comments.
The Su-57 “Felon” is considered Russia’s most advanced fighter jet and is estimated to cost approximately $100–120 million per unit. Production of the Su-57 is proceeding more slowly than planned. According to available estimates, Russia has received only about 30–35 of these fighters, and only 20–25 of them may be fit for combat use.
“The Su-57 is the only fifth-generation aircraft participating in actual combat operations,” Vadim Badeha, head of the United Aircraft Corporation, previously stated.
At the same time, Western and Ukrainian experts have repeatedly criticized the aircraft’s performance, pointing to its insufficient stealth capabilities compared to the American F-35 and the Chinese J-20. The use of external missile pylons may reduce its stealth advantages.
The crash occurred amid Moscow’s attempts to expand the Su-57’s role in the war against Ukraine, including missions to counter drones. “The loss of even a single such aircraft is significant due to the small number of these planes at the disposal of the Russian Aerospace Forces,” experts write.
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