Russia’s Su-57, originally designed as a fighter-bomber for air superiority and strikes, will now be used primarily for air defense, reports UNIAN citing defense analyst Teoman S. Nikantschi of Army Recognition. The reason is the ongoing Ukrainian attacks with drones and cruise missiles, which are forcing Russia to adapt its air defense system.
Recent footage shows Su-57s carrying up to six external weapon mounts, including AKU-ASP missile launchers. These can be equipped with short-range R-73/R-74 missiles and medium-range R-77 missiles. The R-73, with a range of 30 kilometers and infrared homing, is particularly suited for drone and cruise missile defense, according to Nikantschi. The R-77 can engage targets at up to 110 kilometers.
According to Nikantschi, the new configuration shows that Russia is no longer using its scarce Su-57 resources only for prestigious attack missions, but for defensive airspace control in its own rear. Ukrainian long-range drones and cruise missiles have forced Russia to protect a large rear area — including airfields, energy facilities, and defense plants. The expert sees a global trend in which even Western fifth-generation fighters are increasingly used against cheaper aerial threats.
Source: www.unian.ua
