Sukhoi Su-57 - VibeWire Magazine

Did Russia Replace Its Fighter Jet Losses In 2024?

Russia replaced confirmed irreplaceable fighter jet losses in 2024 but seems to have significantly fallen short of replacing all losses.

Taking a closer look at the maneuver.

China becomes the second country, after the U.S., to operate two stealth fighters, following the F-22 and F-35 in the U.S. Air Force.

While a pre-production prototype, poor workmanship on the Su-57 displayed in China has drawn ridicule.

Besides crashes, a poor radar cross-section, and zero exports, it seems the Su-57 Felon’s many woes include declining production rates in 2024.

While Iran, India, and Algeria have expressed interest in purchasing Russia’s Su-57, it is unclear if they will.

Russian combat aircraft production rates seem to be sufficient to sustain war losses at the rates so far seen.

Russian fighter jets may finally be losing appeal as the alternative to US-made jets, and may be falling behind other competitors.

The balance of air power may be impacted as cheap drones, a fraction of 1% of the cost of a fighter jet, destroy 5th-gen fighter jets.

Russia appears to have suffered the first-ever combat 5th-gen fighter loss with a Su-57 damaged or destroyed on the ground by drones.