Russia is extremely cautious about using its Sukhoi 57 (NATO code FELON) aircraft in a “special military operation”, not sending them into Ukrainian airspace, as it fears the consequences of losing one of its fifth-generation aircraft.

Sukhoi 57 in a demonstration flightPhoto: DreamsTime / Ilya Oslyakov

What the British Ministry of Defense says in its latest assessment of the war:

  • As of June 2022, the Russian Aerospace Forces almost certainly used the Su-57 FELON to perform missions against Ukraine.
  • FELON is the most advanced Russian supersonic fighter of the fifth generation, which uses stealth technologies and advanced avionics.
  • These missions were probably limited to flights over Russian territory, launching long-range air-to-surface or air-to-air missiles over Ukraine.
  • Recent satellite images show five FELONs parked at Akhtubinsk Air Base, home to the 929th Flight Test Center. Since this is the only known FELON base, these aircraft are likely to have been involved in operations against Ukraine.
  • Most likely, Russia prefers to avoid damage to its reputation, prevent a reduction in export prospects, and does not want the compromise of secret technology that would result from any loss of FELON in Ukraine.
  • This approach shows that Russia is constantly avoiding the risk of involving its air force in war.

(article photo: © Ilya Oslyakov | Dreamstime.com)