AKHTUBINSK, RUSSIA — A Russian Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet was reportedly destroyed by fire at Akhtubinsk Air Base in the Astrakhan region on October 29, 2026. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft's engine caught fire during start-up, leading to its complete destruction.
The incident was reported by the Telegram channel Absolutely Reliable Source, which published satellite images showing the burned-out aircraft. Russian authorities had not officially confirmed the incident as of October 30.
Fourth Reported Su-57 Loss or Damage in 2026
The incident marks the fourth reported case of a Su-57 being lost or damaged in 2026. On April 25, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck two Su-57 fighters at Shagol Air Base in the Chelyabinsk region.
On July 23, another Su-57 was reportedly lost in the Moscow region after being mistakenly shot down by a Russian BARS Moscow air defence unit. Some Russian accounts attributed the incident to a technical malfunction during a training flight. The pilot reportedly ejected safely.
Su-57 Production
Developed by Sukhoi, the Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to engage aerial, ground and naval targets. It has a reported top speed of approximately 2,600 km/h and can carry guided weapons, including air-to-surface missiles.
Serial production takes place at the aircraft manufacturing plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, in Russia's Far East.
Open-source estimates suggest Russia produces a maximum of around four Su-57 fighters annually. If the reported incidents result in four aircraft write-offs, the losses would equal the estimated annual production rate. However, the extent of damage to the two aircraft struck at Shagol remains unspecified.
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