File this under things that make you go “hmmmh.” I am talking about news from Russia that claims Vladimir Putin’s air force is receiving new Su-57 Felon stealth fighters. This is surprising because the Su-57 has had such limited success (if any success) in the skies over Ukraine. Oh sure, it gets a lot of hype from the Russians, but you can file that under the usual exaggerations and propaganda.
So, what’s going on with this new fighter acquisition?
What Does a ‘Batch’ Mean?
Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation “delivered a batch” of Su-57s to the Russian Aerospace Forces. There is no word on exactly how many Su-57s are slated for the war in Ukraine, but it is not clear if any Su-57s are even flying in combat right now.
Nevertheless, public relations flacks from the Russian defense contractor have spouted the usual banalities.
“The aircraft exhibit high flight and technical characteristics, which have been greatly appreciated by our pilots,” said Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy Director General of Rostec.
That’s not exactly an earth-shattering announcement, but I’ll take it at face value for now.
Su-57 Is Supposed to Be the Most Advanced Fighter in the Russian Fleet
The following statement from the CEO of United Aircraft Corporation is more optimistic. “The number of fifth-generation fighters delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces is increasing every year. The Su-57 remains the most advanced front-line aircraft in Russia today,” said UAC CEO Yuri Slyusar.
Not As Good as the F-35 or F-22
The Su-57 has some stealth characteristics due to its design.
It is supposed to have an excellent 2,200-mile range and can hit MACH 2, although it is a bit slower than the F-22. The Felon also boasts enviable sensors and radar systems. However, it is not as stealthy or digitally advanced as the F-35.
Loyal Wingman Concept Is Interesting
The Su-57 is also reported to be able to be tethered to drones like the S-70 Okhotnik B unmanned combat aircraft in the “Loyal Wingman” construct, but this may be aspirational rather than a concrete feature.
Radar and Targeting Is Impressive
The Felon may have Active Electronically Scanned Array radar and phased array radar. That would definitely make it effective in combat. It could also have Infrared Search and Track targeting technology for better fire control and survivability in contested environments.
Ukraine Has a Vote In This Fight
This is all fine and dandy, but the Russian air force has already been embarrassed by Ukrainian efforts to destroy it on the ground. One Felon was blown up by a kamikaze drone launched by Volodymyr Zelensky’s forces this summer. It happened in the remote Astrakhan region on June 8.
So that’s an inauspicious start for the Su-57 Felon. The question going forward is how well will the newly delivered F-16s that the Ukrainians have received will stack up with the Felon. On paper, the Su-57 should have the advantage with its speed and stealthiness. The F-16 is highly maneuverable and agile. Plus, the Viper is significantly more combat-proven than the Su-57.
What About Dogfighting?
A dogfight is often won by the skill of the pilot and considering that the best Ukrainian pilots and the most talented Russian aviators will be flying the F-16 and the Su-57, you have quite a match up between the two sides.
Hold the Su-57 Out of Combat
But will Russian generals allow the Su-57 to even venture into combat?
Before this “batch,” the Russians may have only deployed 10 to 14 Felons in theater. Losing one more in a dogfight (or ground explosion) would be unthinkable. With an aerial victory over the Felon, the Ukrainians would have a public relations bonanza on their hands. The defenders would surely find the wreck and try to glean as much intelligence from the Su-57 as possible. Putin and his generals would worry that their best stealth fighter might be compromised in further engagements.
Russia PAK-FA or Su-57 Felon. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Overall, I’m skeptical about the Su-57. It has endured a limited role in Ukraine. Russia is worried about more losses and the Ukrainian F-16 pilots are fearless and would welcome a dogfight – no matter how many features and impressive specs that the Felon has.
We will watch closely to look for reports of the Su-57 in combat. Maybe it can live up to its press clippings.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
