Ukraine Says Latest Russian Su-57 Fighter Jet Hit for First Time

Ukrainian forces have claimed a major strike, reporting that they have hit a Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet for the first time. The Su-57 is Russia’s latest-generation fighter aircraft, touted as a fifth-generation stealth fighter meant to rival advanced jets like the American F-22 and F-35. Ukraine’s GUR defense intelligence agency released satellite images that it says confirm the strike on the Su-57 at an air base inside Russia.

The GUR stated that the Su-57 was hit at the Akhtubinsk airfield, located around 366 miles (589 km) from the front lines in Ukraine. The agency showed satellite imagery that appears to depict an Su-57 intact on June 7th, and then craters and fire damage near the jet on June 8th after the alleged strike.

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The claim of striking the Su-57 was backed up by a prominent Russian military blogger known as Fighter bomber, who focuses on aviation matters. Fighter bomber said the report of the Su-57 being hit was correct, adding that it was struck by a drone.

He stated that while the jet sustained shrapnel damage, an assessment is ongoing to determine if it can be repaired or if it represents the first combat loss of an Su-57.

If confirmed, this would mark a significant coup for Ukraine’s forces against Russia’s premier fighter program. The Su-57 has faced numerous delays and setbacks, including a crash during testing in 2019. Its manufacturer claims that serial production of the aircraft only began in 2022 after years of developmental issues.

The ability to strike such a high-value target hundreds of miles inside Russia would demonstrate Ukraine’s growing long-range strike capabilities using drones and missiles despite Russia’s missile advantages.

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