Russia’s Su-57 conducts 40+ strikes on Ukrainian targets

These stealth fighters have become a more frequent tool in Russia’s aerial campaign, with increased missile strikes recorded since late February 2024.

Although Russia had previously deployed the Su-57 sporadically, the intensity and frequency of its use have grown significantly. In January, the UK Ministry of Defense reported that Su-57s had been used in Ukraine since at least June 2022, but their early deployment was limited. Now, these jets are playing a more active role, often launching strikes from Russian airspace over Kursk and Bryansk, as well as from occupied Luhansk.

In the past seven months alone, Russian forces have launched over 30 cruise missiles from Su-57 aircraft. Among these are the Kh-69 stealth cruise missiles, designed to destroy small, well-protected targets at ranges exceeding 180 miles [290km]. One notable strike using the Kh-69 occurred on April 11, 2024, when Ukraine’s Trypillia Thermal Power Plant near Kyiv was destroyed.

So the Su-57's stealth capabilities, along with Russian air defence and cover, allow the Su-57 to fly over Luhansk oblast. It can then launch it's stealth cruise missiles from there, thus extending their effective range when compared to being launched from conventional non stealth aircraft that launch the missiles from within Russia proper. A stealth one two punch that is incredibly difficult to stop, a stealth jet launching a stealth cruise missile. With a conventional aircraft launch, you'd at least know where the missile was launched from, and when, before the missile disappears from radar. No such thing with the Su-57. I predicted such a strategy back in April when the strike on the powerplant was first made public knowledge.

In general this kind of "force multiplication" strategy is seen quite a bit with the Russian Air Force. Another example is the MiG-31K fighter jet as a launch platform for the Kinzhal hypersonic air launched ballistic missile. A fighter jet that can fly at over Mach 3 (with the caveat of excessive engine wear) launching a hypersonic missile that flies at Mach 5+. A speedy one two punch that is also difficult to stop.

The Su-57s are also equipped with the Kh-58USHK anti-radiation missile, capable of targeting radar systems from distances of up to 150 miles [240km], depending on launch conditions.

Reading in between the lines here, it is suggested that this made up the other 10 or so strikes. Anti radiation missiles against air defence radars and platforms. Since the Su-57 has stealth capabilities, this would mean that other aircraft would be required to bait the SAM sites and radars so that the anti radiation missiles can accuire a target. Must be a terrible and thankless job to fly as a wild weasel on SEAD missions involving the Su-57. Baiting the SAM sites and radars, but not being able to fire on them yourself.