Possible Su-57 observed on Ukraine bombing mission
Screenshot of video supposedly showing an Su-57 on a bombing mission. (Image: Ukrainian MoD)
Have the Russian Aerospace Forces thrown the Su-57 into the war against Ukraine?
In one of the latest video recordings from Ukraine, a Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) Su-57 jet fighter may have been filmed for the first time on a European combat mission on 9 March during the ongoing invasion.
An eyewitness was able to film the silhouette of the aircraft as it flew overhead, as well as the moment the bridge in Zhytomyr was being hit. Presumably this was the Berdychiv bridge over the Teterev river.
Judging by the comments of the person who filmed the video, the aircraft managed to hit the bridge, but it is unknown whether it was completely destroyed.
Analysis of the video shows that the aircraft was not using missiles for the mission – probably the pilot dropped two dumb bombs or guided weapons.
Information that the Su-57 may be in combat operations in Ukraine is also supported by unconfirmed reports that some Su-57 test pilots from Sukhoi had recently been deployed to the operational VKS forces.
The VKS may be keen to test the Su-57 in more advanced real-world combat conditions than those it encountered previously in Syria, where the enemy had virtually no air defence system.
At the same time, even a theoretical chance of the Ukrainian air defence network bringing down such an advanced aircraft represents a very high political and prestige risk for Russia.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Ukraine-Russia News: Technology and Equipment Spotlight
-
![Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine (podcast)]()
Reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine (podcast)
In a new-look Shephard Defence Podcast, the news team discusses the rapidly-evolving situation in Ukraine and latest developments following Russia's unprovoked invasion.
-
![Italy may donate 155mm howitzers to Ukraine]()
Italy may donate 155mm howitzers to Ukraine
Ukraine could obtain more 155mm howitzers — this time from Italy — as Kyiv seeks to tip the artillery balance against Russia.
-
![Germany mulls supplying IRIS-T to Ukraine]()
Germany mulls supplying IRIS-T to Ukraine
Will Germany decide to provide ten medium-range SAM systems to Ukraine?
-
![Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery]()
Reina Isabel returns to port after partial failure to complete Ukraine delivery
The Spanish Navy support vessel Reina Isabel returned to its homeport on 13 May after a mission to deliver arms, ammunition and Ukraine — although Kyiv did not receive everything it expected.
-
![Pitfalls remain with giving Ukraine modern fighter jets]()
Pitfalls remain with giving Ukraine modern fighter jets
It seems appealing to fast-track pilot training by conducting most flights on simulators and omitting certain procedures if the West were to give more modern aircraft for Ukraine’s air force, but it might prove challenging in practice.
-
![Down, but not out (Comment)]()
Down, but not out (Comment)
The sinking in April of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea flagship, although not evidence of a major change in the naval domain, is a far cry from the pre-emptive scuttling of Ukraine’s own flagship. The donation of increasingly advanced materiel demonstrates increased faith in Ukraine’s ability to resist the Russian invaders.
