On October 28, 2026, a Russian multi-role fifth-generation fighter Su-57 burned at the 'Akhtubinsk' airfield in the Astrakhan region. The cause of the fire was a malfunction during engine startup.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, the aircraft veered off the runway and completely burned down. This marks the fourth incident of Su-57 destruction in 2026, including two aircraft damaged at the Shagol airfield in spring and one shot down by 'friendly' fire on July 23 in the Moscow region.
Status of the Su-57 Fleet
As of today, the Russian military has only 10 Su-57 fighters left, of which only 6 are combat-ready. This raises concerns among military analysts, as the production of these aircraft is limited to a maximum of four units per year.
Experts' Reactions
Experts believe that frequent incidents involving the Su-57 may indicate issues with maintenance and reliability of the new technology. Military analysts point out that such cases could affect the combat readiness of the Russian Air Force, especially in the current geopolitical climate.