Russia Receives Upgraded Su-57 Fighter Jets Despite Limited Role in Ukraine

Russia’s military has acquired upgraded versions of the Su-57 fighter jet, the country’s premier stealth aircraft that has seen limited action in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Moscow’s state-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced the delivery of a ‘batch’ of these newly refined Su-57 jets to the Russian air force. The Russian defense ministry confirmed the receipt of the jets, noting a ‘new technical design’ but withholding details on the quantity and specific enhancements.

Russia promotes the single-seat Su-57 as its most advanced aircraft, capable of rivaling U.S. models like the F-35 and F-22. However, Western experts remain skeptical about its stealth capabilities.

Technological Upgrades and Ambitions

Russia’s Rostec defense corporation, which oversees the UAC, announced plans to further enhance the Su-57. A significant upgrade involves adding a ‘second cockpit’ for drone control. Rostec aims to integrate ‘sixth-generation technologies’ into the Su-57, anticipating future high-tech fighter jets globally. These sixth-generation jets are expected to be costly and heavily reliant on unmanned systems, executing high-risk maneuvers while keeping manned aircraft at a safer distance.

Nonetheless, Western analysts, including Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute, doubt that these modifications will position Russia as a major player in the field of sophisticated jet programs led by countries like the U.S. and China.

Performance and Limited Role in Ukraine

The Su-57 has been deployed for long-range strikes in the conflict with Ukraine. Analysts have criticized its performance and noted Russia’s reluctance to risk these prized jets. Although Russian sources, including an unnamed pilot, have praised the aircraft’s performance in the ‘special military operation’—Russia’s term for the invasion of Ukraine—they remain cautious in utilizing them extensively.

The UAC stated that the newly upgraded jets have undergone factory testing and allowed Defense Ministry pilots to operate them. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha emphasized fulfilling state defense orders and continuously improving production processes.

Production Delays and Recent Incidents

The rollout of additional Su-57 jets has been sluggish, affected by Russia’s ongoing military commitments. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Russia possessed at least 21 Su-57s by early 2026. Ukraine reportedly damaged one of the jets in June 2024, with Ukrainian drones allegedly hitting two more in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region in April.

In May, an image on a Russian Telegram channel connected to the air force showed the Su-57D in testing. Russian media reported a July crash of a Su-57 during a training exercise near Moscow, though the defense ministry did not confirm the aircraft type.

Despite technological advancements, Russia reportedly uses Su-57s to shoot down inexpensive Ukrainian drones, demonstrating a strategic use of its advanced jets against less costly UAVs.