Russian Su-57 production virtually halted due to Western sanctions
Russia may have suspended the production of its modern Su-57 fighter jets due to trade sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies, The Telegraph reported on Oct. 9.
Ukrainian analysts from Frontelligence Insight explained that the Russian defense industry is heavily dependent on Western components, particularly in electronics. Analysts believe that Western sanctions have impacted the production of these fighter jets, which require cutting-edge technological components.
The report says the United States and its allies have halted the upgrades of the Su-57 aircraft through “targeted sanctions.”
Frontelligence Insight, after thoroughly examining Russian documents, identified aircraft components that are part of the MPPU-50, a German-made device for calibrating the Su-57's communication systems.
“Considering that Russian military production continued to expand in 2023 and 2024, it’s clear that they find ways to smuggle key components or purchase Chinese replacements to maintain production,” the experts noted.
The report suggests that illegal imports of key components require more time, effort, and money. This could have slowed the production pace of new Su-57s and likely increased the cost of each jet.
“The Su-57 program was supposed to help the Russian air force catch up to the U.S. Air Force,” the journalists added.
“But it’s taking so long for Sukohi to build a tiny number of Su-57s that the Americans are actually pulling farther ahead, technologically speaking.”
On June 12, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence said that two Russian Su-57 aircraft were damaged in a Ukrainian drone strike on June 8.
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