![Moscow Russia Zhukovsky Airfield 31 August 2019: Demonstration of the latest Russian SU-57 fighterof the international aerospace salon MAKS-2019.](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715166765-a5a2.jpg)
The Russian Su-57 Felon, a fifth-generation combat aircraft, has been conspicuously absent from the conflict in Ukraine, leading to scrutiny over its capabilities and Russia’s strategy.
![Moscow Russia Zhukovsky Airfield 31 August 2019: Demonstration of the latest Russian SU-57 fighterof the international aerospace salon MAKS-2019](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715170627-bba7.jpg)
The Su-57, claimed to be a contender against top-tier U.S. aircraft like the F-35 and F-22, has not engaged in combat, while older Soviet-era aircraft shoulder the burden.
![MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 7, 2021: Avia parade in Moscow. Sukhoi Su-57 in the sky on parade of Victory in World War II in Moscow, Russia](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715170663-2295.jpg)
Despite the claims of advanced stealth and warfare capabilities, Russia’s hesitation to deploy the Su-57 in Ukrainian skies suggests a fear of losing these expensive and limited-in-number aircraft.
![Moscow Russia Zhukovsky Airfield 25 July 2021: Demonstration of the latest Russian SU-57 fighterof the international aerospace salon MAKS-2021.](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715170706-7e04.jpg)
The decision not to risk these aircraft reflects a broader trend in contemporary warfare, where high-tech weapons systems are being challenged by simpler, cheaper countermeasures.
![Zhukovsky / Russian Federation - august 25 2015: airshow MAKS, SU-57 PAK FA](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715170729-3c0b.jpg)
In theory, a fifth-generation fighter jet is designed to intimidate and overpower an adversary from a considerable distance, utilizing cutting-edge stealth technology to render these aircraft virtually undetectable and impervious to attacks.
![Moscow Russia Zhukovsky Airfield 25 July 2021: Demonstration of the latest Russian SU-57 fighterof the international aerospace salon MAKS-2021.](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715170762-023f.jpg)
However, this ideal scenario does not always hold true.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OIP-8.jpeg)
Therefore, moving forward, major global powers like the United States must anticipate the possibility that their latest weapons systems could become ineffective in a conflict where the enemy has successfully deployed countermeasures to neutralize the capabilities of the most advanced military assets.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-1-7.jpeg)
The Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon and the American Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor are fifth-generation fighter jets equipped with advanced avionics, stealth features, and supercruise capabilities.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-1-1.png)
Both aircraft are equipped with highly integrated computer systems that can communicate with other elements in the battlespace, enhancing situational awareness and facilitating command, control, and communications (C3) capabilities.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-2-7.jpeg)
Initially designed as an air dominance and air superiority fighter, the F-22 can also fulfill roles such as ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-3-5.jpeg)
The Russian Su-57 was developed with the capability to engage in aerial combat, as well as conduct ground and maritime strikes.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-2.png)
The F-22 Raptor is considered a more established platform, having entered service in 2005. Originally, the United States Air Force intended to procure 750 F-22s, but the program was scaled back to just 187 aircraft due to high costs, a lack of suitable air-to-air missiles during the Global War on Terror (GWoT), and restrictions on exports.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-14.jpeg)
The Su-57, a newer aircraft encountering challenges in development and production, stands in contrast to the operational track record of the F-22.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-57-Army-2020.jpg)
Both aircraft exhibit impressive specifications, with the F-22 being perceived as more agile and stealthier, giving it an advantage in air superiority.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-4-4.jpeg)
Despite their capabilities, neither aircraft has participated in significant air-to-air combat, reflecting their designated roles and the current landscape of aerial warfare.
Relevant articles:
– Russia’s Su-57 Felon Fighter Nightmare Is Just Getting Started, The National Interest
– Stealth Rivals: Comparing the F-22 Raptor and Russia’s Su-57 in Modern Aerial Warfare, nationalinterest.org