What Ukraine Destroying Russia’s Su-57 Means For Drones In Warfare & The Balance Of Air Power

Yesterday, the Ukrainian armed forces dropped a bombshell (no pun intended) – they had damaged (likely destroyed) a prized 5th-generation Su-57 fighter jet on the ground. The jet has been hit by the explosions of at least two drone strikes. The Russian Su-57 has become the latest high-profile fatality from Ukraine’s burgeoning drone capabilities and is likely the first 5th-gen fighter to be destroyed in combat (not counting the F-117 as 5th-gen). Later that day, Ukraine suggested they may have hit a second Su-57 in the same strike but need more confirmation. So, what does this mean for the future of airpower?