Additional Coverage:
- With a NATO war and Ukraine’s knack for shooting down planes in mind, Russia is holding back its airpower and most advanced jets (newsbreak.com)
At an airbase near Moscow in August 2020, a Russian Sukhoi Su-57 jet fighter was displayed, showcasing its capabilities. Defense experts have indicated that Russia has been cautious not to deploy its more advanced aircraft, including the Su-57, extensively in the conflict with Ukraine. This restraint is partly due to the effectiveness of Ukrainian air defenses, which have successfully brought down several Russian planes.
Experts also suggest that Russia is conserving its sophisticated jets for potential larger conflicts, possibly involving NATO. John Baum of the Mitchell Institute, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel, mentioned to Business Insider that Russia has the option to enhance its aerial forces in Ukraine but has chosen not to do so thus far. Despite claims from the Kremlin, there is no concrete evidence that the Su-57s have been used in Ukraine, although they represent Russia’s most advanced fighter technology and are designed for highly contested airspaces.
The Su-57, Russia’s inaugural fifth-generation fighter, is promoted by Russian media as comparable to American stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35. However, due to certain design deficiencies, such as incomplete stealth capabilities, and ongoing technical issues, its performance has not entirely matched these claims.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the Su-57 has been limited to launching missiles from within Russian borders, reflecting a broader trend of cautious use of air assets by Russia in the conflict. Russian forces, in contrast to their approach with ground troops, generally utilize air power in a manner that minimizes risk by operating away from the potent Ukrainian defenses.
Independent defense researcher Andrew Curtis noted that Russia is strategically allocating its air force resources, keeping many planes out of the Ukrainian conflict to maintain a robust, modern air force for any future operations. Michael Clarke, a Russia and Ukraine specialist and UK national security advisor, observed that Russia’s current sacrifices in Ukraine could be in preparation for a potential future conflict where it will need all its capabilities.
At a NATO summit in Washington, DC, concerns were raised about future threats from Russia, with NATO members increasing defense spending and strengthening alliances and border security measures in response.
The situation underscores the ongoing tension and the delicate balance Russia maintains between demonstrating power and conserving resources for potential larger-scale conflicts. The choices made by Russia in this regard could have significant implications for regional stability and global security dynamics.