Russian Su-57 Fighter Jet Incident at Akhtubinsk Airfield

Last week, a Russian Su-57 fighter jet reportedly “exploded” at an airfield in southwestern Russia, according to Ukraine. If verified, this would represent another setback for Moscow’s highly advanced stealth aircraft.

The incident occurred during the start-up of the jet’s engine at Akhtubinsk airfield in the Astrakhan region on October 29, as reported by Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency. Newsweek sought comments from the Russian Defense Ministry via email.

Russia hails the Su-57 as its most sophisticated and low-detectable jet, referring to it as a fifth-generation aircraft similar to the U.S. F-35s and F-22s. However, many Western aviation experts question its stealth capabilities.

Moscow employs the Su-57 for long-range strikes in its conflict with Ukraine, though analysts consider its performance mediocre, and Russia is reluctant to risk its limited number of these prized jets in Kyiv.

According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a British defense think tank, Russia had about 21 Su-57s in operation by early 2026. Ukrainian assessments estimate the cost of each Su-57 at approximately $150 million.

Ukraine’s GUR noted that the engines installed in the Su-57 could “explode or undergo catastrophic destruction” when using substandard jet fuel.

This is a developing story. Further details will be provided as they become available.