(Photo : ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)
Flying the Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter in Ukraine would be a game-changer in subduing the Pro-Ukraine forces, but it is not available for wide use yet, though it would make an impact.
Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter is a 5th generation aircraft that would have been useful as a multi-mission jet with the advantage of stealth.
From the start of the Ukraine war, the Su-34 strike platform and Su-35 air superiority fighter have been used and were able to shoot down five Ukrainian Air Force jets in dogfights.
Despite as top-line fighters, they still got shot down, which is not suitable for the Russian Forces, and something needs to be done.
Ukrainian defense Against the Su-34, Su-35
A large quantity of Ukrainian surface-to-air missiles and the significant number of sorties fired by Russian jets are still relatively low, but losing planes is never good, reported View60s.
Both non-stealth Su-34 and Su-35 have been in use since 2014 and had considerable combat operations before the Ukraine wᴀʀ, supporting counterinsurgency operations in Syria.
Russia was, by 2022, expected to field several squadrons of more advanced Su-57 heavyweight fighters, which would have likely made operations against Ukrainian forces far smoother.
The two other fighters developed from the Su-27 Flanker, a 4th generation heavy fighter, were enhanced with next-generation technologies. Su-57, also called the Felon by NATO, is a brand-new fifth-generation fighter with superior strike and air superiority capabilities.
Su-35 and Su-57 Comparisons
The Felon, which first flew in 2010, was supposed to enter service in 2015, with 50 planes in operation by 2020 and 200 by the end of 2025.
Many essential technologies were inherited from the Soviet MiG 1.42 program; the Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter took time to reach the prototype stage, cited Air Force Technology. This may have affected the aggressive schedule.
Due to a lack of backing from a large industrial base or tech sector and a lack of money, the Su-57 only commenced serial production in 2019 and joined the Air Force in December 2020, 25 years after the Soviet collapse.
Su-57 Felon Capabilities
The Felon was developed to go as far as to counter the 6th generation, not only 5th generation F-22 or F-35 that can be handled easily. Next would be fitting newer technology or avionics on the Su-35 to keep it updated longer.
The Su-57 has a low initial production rate, with only 6-8 aircraft in service out of a total of 76 anticipated to be fully operational by 2027, noted Military Watch Magazine.
The planes were used for a short period and in small numbers over Ukraine. However, it is unclear whether they fought or evaluated their sensors or other capabilities in a war zone. The UAF cannot match it, but it does not seem to much use in the conflict; it could make a difference.
Stealth keeps it from radar by complementing Himalayas electronic warfare system to provide additional protection. It is equipped with a unique laser defense system that blinds infrared-guided missiles by disabling the sensor from acquiring a target. Much of the Ukrainian forces will have a hard time hitting it because of masked heat sources that make it useless to fire at.
When in combat, the plane has excellent AESA radar, also can see more with six radars equipped, and next-generation infra-red search and track system.
Hitting targets with the PBK-500U Drel guided bomb can attack with accurate fire and forget system; it can take out Ukrainian assets for close air support or air support for Russian forces, mentioned the National Interest.
Deploying the Su-57 Felon stealth fighter in Ukraine will have advantages over the Su-34 and Su-35, which are good but lack the benefits.
Related Article: 5th Generation Russian Fighter: The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon Gets Major Upgrades With New Engine, Mounts Hypersonic Missiles
