Russia has 1500+ jets to strike Ukraine despite Su-57 loss – Air Force
Recent Su-57 fighter jet destruction makes tangible loss for Russia, but the Russians still have up to 1,500 aircrafts that can strike Ukraine, the Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, Ilya Yevlash, said on the air of the national telethon on June 10.
"The enemy frequetly used the aircraft (Su-57 — ed.) in its full-scale invasion," he said.
"We could witness them used at a fairly significant distance from the contact line and we saw several times when Russia did used its guided air missiles."
"Their systematic use, or flying close to the state border line, or directly to the battle line was not something that could be observed," he noted.
Read also: Russia's advanced Su-57 fighter jet hit in Astrakhan Oblast — HUR
The Russians did not want to expose billions-of-dollars-worth Su-57 fighter jet to danger.
The destruction of such an aircraft is, first of all, "loss of image and reputation," Air Force spokesperson said.
"Russia still possesses about 1,500 jets operative that are capable of launching Kh-69 and Kh-59 guided missiles, as well as guided aerial bombs," Yevlash added.
Read also: Ukraine's SBU damages Russian Su-27 fighter jet sitting on tarmac at Russian airfield
"There are a lot of different planes in Russia - up to one and a half thousand planes that perform various combat tasks. Destroying a plane or two is indeed significant, but Russia still has a powerful aircraft fleet that can pose a threat... That's why we need to continue working to destroy Russian aircraft striking our critical and energy infrastructure in the sky."
The first Russian Su-57 defeat in history
A Su-57 multi-role fighter jet was hit for the first time in history at the Akhtubinsk airfield in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia, on June 8, Military Intelligence (HUR) head reported.
The Su-57 is the most modern fighter that can use Kh-59 and Kh-69 missiles for strikes, Intelligence noted.
"Only a few jets of this type" are in service with the Russian Air and Space Forces, HUR said.
There may be two Russian Su-57 aircrafts affected, Ukraine’s military intelligence representatie Andriy Yusov said.
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
