Russia’s Su-57 Felon Fighter Jets Conduct Over 40 Strikes on Ukraine: Aerial Warfare Intensifies

Russia's use of its advanced Su-57 Felon fighter jets has sharply escalated, with more than 40 strikes targeting Ukrainian positions in recent months. These stealth aircraft, which were once deployed sporadically in the conflict, are now playing a critical role in Moscow's aerial campaign, demonstrating a shift in strategy that has alarmed Ukraine's military forces.

The Su-57, developed by Russia as a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter, has seen increased operational use since February 2024. Reports from Ukraine’s Air Force suggest a rise in missile strikes conducted by these jets, particularly over regions like Kursk, Bryansk, and Russian-occupied Luhansk. This surge in attacks underscores Russia’s growing reliance on the Su-57 for precision targeting from within its own airspace, avoiding exposure to Ukraine's air defenses.

The UK Ministry of Defense had earlier confirmed that Su-57s were used in Ukraine as early as June 2022. However, their initial deployment was limited and likely experimental. The recent shift in their operational intensity is linked to the broader objectives of Russia’s air force, which has increasingly turned to these jets for high-value strategic strikes. For instance, over the past seven months, more than 30 cruise missiles have been launched from Su-57s, marking a significant uptick in activity.

One of the key weapons systems employed by the Su-57 is the Kh-69 stealth cruise missile, designed to strike heavily fortified targets with a range exceeding 180 miles. This missile, first publicly unveiled in August 2022 at the Army-2022 military forum, is among Russia’s most advanced munitions. The Kh-69 was showcased again at the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, where Russian officials touted its low-visibility design and high precision. However, experts suggest that the Kh-69 may not be as revolutionary as claimed. Analysts believe it is an evolution of the older Kh-59MK2, a missile from 2009 that shares design similarities with its Soviet-era predecessors.

In one of the most notable strikes, on April 11, 2024, a Kh-69 missile launched from a Su-57 destroyed Ukraine's Trypillia Thermal Power Plant near Kyiv. The precision and destructiveness of this strike highlight the growing threat posed by Russia’s advanced aerial capabilities.

In addition to the Kh-69, the Su-57 is equipped with other sophisticated missile systems, such as the Kh-58USHK anti-radiation missile. This missile is designed to target enemy radar installations and can strike from distances up to 150 miles, depending on launch conditions. These capabilities allow the Su-57 to neutralize Ukrainian air defense systems while minimizing its exposure to retaliation.

As Russia ramps up its use of the Su-57, the stealth fighter’s impact on the battlefield is becoming increasingly clear. With its cutting-edge technology, the Felon has become a crucial tool in Russia’s long-term strategy to wear down Ukraine’s military infrastructure, all while maintaining a safe distance from Ukraine's defenses. The question remains how Ukraine and its allies will respond to this intensifying aerial campaign, which is reshaping the dynamics of the war. 

The Su-57’s deployment signals a new phase of the conflict, one marked by more sophisticated weaponry and an intensified focus on precision strikes, further complicating Ukraine’s defensive operations.