Russia Bolsters Air Power with New Su-57 and Su-34 Combat Jets

Russia has taken delivery of a new batch of Su-57 Felon and Su-34 Fullback aircraft from the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of Rostec, as part of its state defense order. These additions to the Russian Aerospace Forces come at a critical time, as the country faces significant challenges in maintaining its air capabilities amid ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

Advanced Su-57: Russia’s Fifth-Generation Fighter

The Su-57, often dubbed the "king of the skies," is a fifth-generation multirole fighter jet designed to tackle diverse missions, including striking air, ground, and naval targets. Known for its cutting-edge technology, the Su-57 features:

• Low Observability: The jet incorporates stealth technology, enabling it to evade modern air defense systems.
• Precision Weaponry: Equipped with advanced guided munitions, the Su-57 can neutralize targets with high accuracy.
• Electronic Warfare Capabilities: It includes sophisticated electronic countermeasures to dominate in contested airspaces.
• High Maneuverability: Its advanced aerodynamics and thrust-vectoring engines make it highly agile in dogfights.
  Designed for all-weather operations, the Su-57 has been tested in prolonged combat conditions, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of Russia’s modern air power.

Su-34: A Versatile Fighter-Bomber

The Su-34, a twin-seat fighter-bomber, excels in striking a range of targets, including heavily defended infrastructure. Its unique features include:

• Multifunctional Design: Capable of engaging ground, sea, and aerial targets.
• Reconnaissance Abilities: The aircraft can also perform intelligence-gathering missions using advanced sensors.
• Wide Armament Range: It supports both guided and unguided munitions, offering flexibility in combat scenarios.

Pilots appreciate the Su-34 for its robust technical specifications and combat reliability. Despite its strengths, the Su-34 has not been immune to losses during the ongoing conflict.

Challenges Amid the Ukraine Conflict

Russia’s delivery of new jets comes against the backdrop of considerable attrition in its air fleet. According to Oryx, an open-source intelligence group, Russia has lost at least 134 military aircraft since the start of its invasion of Ukraine. These confirmed losses include 36 Su-34 strike aircraft, with additional unverified reports suggesting higher figures.

The Su-57 has also been affected, with one aircraft reportedly destroyed in a Ukrainian drone strike on the Akhtubinsk airbase. The losses reflect the intense strain on Russia's forces, especially as it attempts to maintain air superiority in a highly contested environment.

A Strategic Focus on Air Power

Despite these setbacks, Russia remains committed to strengthening its air fleet. Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov emphasized the significance of the new deliveries, stating, “The Su-57 and Su-34 are valued for their superior combat characteristics. They will soon take their place in active service, addressing critical tasks with unmatched performance.”

UAC head Vadim Badekha also highlighted ongoing efforts to meet production goals while enhancing worker benefits and corporate social programs, signaling a focus on both operational and institutional resilience.

Conclusion

As the war in Ukraine continues to challenge Russia's military capacity, the delivery of new Su-57 and Su-34 jets underscores Moscow's determination to rebuild and modernize its air power. These aircraft not only demonstrate advanced engineering but also serve as vital assets in Russia’s broader strategy to navigate the pressures of prolonged conflict.