Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) has reported targeting a Russian Su-57 Felon fighter jet.
The drone attack occurred on June 8 at an airbase near Akhtubinsk in Russia’s Astrakhan region, located approximately 589 kilometers from the frontline.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, satellite images show the Su-57 intact on June 7, but by June 8, the area around the aircraft displayed explosion craters and burn marks, indicating a fire resulting from a direct hit. This event marks the first recorded instance of the Su-57 being damaged in such a manner.
The Su-57, Russia’s most advanced fighter jet, known to NATO as Felon, can deploy X-59 and X-69 missiles. Only a few of these sophisticated aircraft are currently operational within the Russian Aerospace Forces.
‼️ Вперше уражено Су-57
💥 8 червня 2024 року на території аеродрому «ахтубінск» в астраханській області рф, розташованому за 589 кілометрів від лінії бойового зіткнення, уражено багатоцільовий винищувач держави-агресора Су-57.
🔗 https://t.co/vyatL7cBjd pic.twitter.com/8wbopryp4l
— Defence intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) June 9, 2024
Russia has increasingly utilized its Su-57 combat aircraft to conduct missile strikes against Ukraine. These advanced jets began playing a more active role in late February 2024, with a notable rise in the frequency of their missions.
In the past month alone, Russian forces have launched over six cruise missiles from Su-57 jets. These operations are conducted from an airbase near Akhtubinsk, with the jets flying over Kursk, Bryansk, and the occupied Luhansk region to carry out their strikes. Typically, the Su-57s are accompanied by two Su-35 fighters for added protection.
The reported damage to the Su-57 is a noteworthy development in the ongoing conflict. If confirmed, it demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capability to target and damage advanced Russian military assets, potentially altering the dynamic of aerial engagements.