Russia Receives Upgraded Su-57 Fighter Jets Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

Russia’s defense ministry announced that a new “batch” of upgraded Su-57 fighter jets has been handed over to the Russian Air Force. United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) confirmed the delivery and referenced a “new technical design,” though it did not disclose the number of aircraft or the specific enhancements. The jets have completed factory testing, and Ministry personnel have already piloted them.

Newsweek

The Su-57, Russia’s most advanced stealth-design jet, has seen limited combat use in the war that began in February 2022. Production has been hampered by wartime demands; the International Institute for Strategic Studies estimated Russia possessed at least 21 Su-57s at the start of 2026. Ukrainian sources claim a Su-57 was damaged in June 2024, and commander Robert Magyar reported two additional jets were hit by Ukrainian drones in the Chelyabinsk region during a late-April strike. Russian media reported a Su-57 crash near Moscow in July, which the defense ministry said involved a training aircraft that safely ejected its pilot, without confirming the model. A prototype two-seater version entered flight tests after a maiden flight in May 2025, and a Su-57D image circulated on a Telegram channel linked to the air force in May 2025.

Newsweek

The defense ministry confirmed receipt of the upgraded jets but offered no further details.

Newsweek

• “The fifth-generation Su-57 aviation complex is the best aircraft in its class,” — UAC CEO Vadim Badekha

Newsweek