Ukraine for the first time in history hit Russia's newest Su-57 multirole fighter jet, a carrier of Kh-59 and Kh-69 cruise missiles

Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) has reported the first ever defeat of Russia's newest Su-57 fighter jet.

Here's What We Know

The GUR website reported that a Su-57 multi-role fighter jet was struck on June 8 at the Akhtubinsk airfield in Russia's Astrakhan region, which is 589 kilometres from the front line.

The successful defeat is confirmed by satellite images:

It is worth noting that this is an extremely serious loss for Russian aviation, as there are only a few such aircraft, each costing up to $100 million, and the creation of new machines is virtually impossible due to Western sanctions.

According to open sources, Russia has up to 15 such machines in service, including prototypes, but Russian media claim that there are only 6 as of 2022.

Importantly, the Su-57 also launches the X-59 and X-69, advanced cruise missiles that come close to the Western Storm Shadow/SCALP and Taurus, and have caused massive damage to Ukraine's critical and civilian infrastructure. It was the X-69 that destroyed the Tripillya thermal power plant.

The GSD did not specify what type of weapon was used to strike the Akhtubinsk airfield, but it is clear that a long-range drone was used.

More detailed information is likely to come soon.

Source: GUR