A Su-57 Felon, Russia’s most advanced combat aircraft, was spotted carrying air-launched cruise missiles.
A still image from a video circulating on Russian social media platforms shows a Su-57 fighter from the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) equipped with what appear to be two Kh-59 (AS-13 ‘Kingbolt’) cruise missiles, likely the Kh-59M2A variant.
The footage has sparked discussions within military circles about the integration of older, less stealthy missile systems with Russia’s cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter.
The Su-57 is built using stealth technology aimed at reducing its radar signature. However, the video shows the aircraft armed with Kh-59 missiles mounted on external pylons, which raises questions about how these externally carried weapons could compromise the aircraft’s low observability. The Kh-59M2A, a modernized version of the Kh-59, is designed for precision strikes against ground targets, but it does not possess the stealth-adapted features seen in newer Russian missiles like the Kh-69.
A still image from an interesting short clip circulating on Russian social media that shows a VKS Su-57 multirole fighter armed with what appear to be two Kh-59 series air-to-surface missiles (likely the Kh-59M2A variant). pic.twitter.com/XBXTiusSUk
— Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) October 19, 2024
Experts have noted that this configuration may reflect limitations in Russia’s integration of advanced weaponry with its stealth platforms. The Kh-59 series, while capable, does not benefit from the same radar-reducing design as some of the latest weapons in Russia’s arsenal. By mounting these missiles externally, the Su-57’s stealth capability could be diminished, leaving it more vulnerable to detection during missions.
The Su-57 first entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2020. It has been a point of pride for Russia’s military, touted as a competitor to Western fifth-generation fighters like the U.S. F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.