Air power is probably the most important aspect of a modern conflict. Whoever controls the skies can control the ground and seas.

In the Ukrainian conflict, neither side has been able to wrestle control of the skies and establish air superiority. And although it is not surprising that the Ukrainian Air Force is having trouble with this—since it lacks the advanced aircraft and numbers of its adversary—it is quite a surprise for the Russian Aerospace Forces.

In an attempt to replenish its significant losses and bolster its air power, the Russian Aerospace Forces are receiving a new batch of Su-57 Felon and Su-34 Fullback fighter jets.

More Fighter Jets

The Russian Aerospace Forces will be getting more Su-57 Felon and Su-34 Fullback fighter jets. Moscow touts the Su-57 Felon as a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, though Western analysts doubt its stealth capabilities. The Su-34 Fullback is a fighter-bomber aircraft designed to take out strategic targets on land and sea.

“Aerospace enterprises within Rostec are steadily supplying aviation equipment to the troops. The Su-57 and Su-34 aircraft delivered today will soon take their place in active service,” Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov said.

“The Su-34 is valued by pilots for its high technical and combat characteristics. The Su-57, often referred to as the ‘king of the skies,’ has demonstrated its status as a fifth-generation fighter in prolonged combat conditions. It can effectively engage a wide range of targets using precision-guided weapons while maintaining low visibility against advanced air defense systems,” the Rostec CEO added.

Actually, the Su-57 Felon hasn’t “demonstrated its status as a fifth-generation fighter in prolonged combat conditions.” Yes, the Russian Aerospace Forces have used Su-57 Felons to conduct long-range strikes against Ukrainian urban centers and critical infrastructure. However, Moscow has been very careful not to allow its most advanced fighter jet too close into the fighting out of fear that it will be shot down by Ukraine’s Western air defense batteries. In other words, the Su-57 Felon has participated in combat but not to the extent necessary to determine its actual combat capabilities against comparable Western aircraft.

“The Su-57 and Su-34 are among the best in their class,” said Vadim Badekha, the head of UAC which is itself part of Rostec.

“They address critical tasks while showcasing superior maneuverability and combat performance. Our production teams continue to work diligently to fulfill the state defense order, and we are committed to enhancing wages and expanding corporate social programs,” the Russian aerospace official added.

The Russian Aerospace Forces have taken serious losses in the Ukrainian conflict. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense puts the number of Russian fixed-wing aircraft losses at approximately 369. The Oryx open-source intelligence analysis website comes up with a lower number, 134. (Oryx relies on visual evidence that is published on social media.) The actual number is probably somewhere in between the two estimates. In terms of the Su-57 and Su-34, the Russian Aerospace Forces have lost thirty-seven Su-34s and one Su-57, which was destroyed on the ground after a Ukrainian long-range drone attack.

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

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