Ukraine Strikes: Ukraine’s military intelligence agency announced a significant development on Sunday. Its forces had successfully damaged an advanced Russian Su-57 fighter jet. This incident marks the first time such a sophisticated aircraft was hit deep inside Russia. It occurred hundreds of miles away from the front lines.
The Audacious Strike
According to the agency’s statement, the Su-57 jet was struck on Saturday. It happened at the Akhtubinsk airfield in southern Russia’s Astrakhan republic. The airfield is approximately 365 miles from the current eastern Ukrainian front lines. This bold move shows Ukraine’s ability to reach deep into Russian territory. It can target even the most advanced military assets.
Corroboration from Russian Sources
Official commentary from Moscow remains scarce. However, one influential Russian military blogger confirmed the incident. The Fighterbomber Telegram channel reported a Ukrainian drone attacked the airfield on Saturday. The Su-57 was “damaged by shrapnel.” Further assessments will determine if the jet can be restored or is a total loss.
Protecting the Prized Su-57
Moscow has been extremely cautious in deploying its top Su-57 stealth jets near Ukraine. Unlike other Russian aircraft used extensively, like the Su-35, the Su-57 fighters played a minimal role in air operations over Ukraine. This aims to keep these advanced jets away from Ukraine’s air defenses.
Limited Deployment and Future Plans
Russia has a handful of operational Su-57 jets currently. But the country plans to substantially bolster its fleet.Russia plans to receive more than 70 additional Su-57 fighter jets in the coming years. However, their Ukrainian deployment has been limited. Russia attempts to keep them at a safe distance, as confirmed by Kyiv air force spokesperson Ilya Yevlash.
Long-Range Strikes from Russian Airspace
Earlier this year, the British government revealed Russia confined its Su-57 jets to operations within Russian airspace against Ukraine. These jets typically used long-range missiles like the Kh-59 and Kh-69 to strike Ukrainian territory from a distance. Ukraine has previously reported the use of these armaments by Russian forces. http://ndtv.com
Strategic Importance of Akhtubinsk
The Akhtubinsk facility is strategically important. The UK Defense Ministry identified the Akhtubinsk airfield in their January 2022 assessment as the sole known base for Russia’s Su-57 jets. Ukraine’s agency provided satellite imagery purporting to show an intact Su-57 on Friday, then fire damage around it the next day. However, Newsweek could not independently verify this imagery.
Reputational Concerns for Russia
The loss or damage of an Su-57 due to Ukrainian attacks could inflict reputational damage on Russia. As noted by the UK in January 2023, Russia likely wants to avoid such a scenario. This underscores the importance of protecting these advanced aircraft from Ukrainian strikes.
Ukraine Strikes and Conclusion
The strike by Ukrainian forces on an advanced Russian Su-57 fighter jet represents a historic achievement. It showcases Ukraine’s ability to reach far beyond front lines. It also highlights vulnerabilities of Russia’s most sophisticated military assets. As the conflict continues, both sides will adapt strategies and tactics. This incident serves as a stark reminder of modern warfare’s ever-evolving nature. http://viralenews.com
