Russia concentrates Su-57 fighters near Chinese border

Russia has concentrated at least 15 Su-57 stealth fighter jets at the Dzyomgi air base in the Khabarovsk region, about 280 kilometers from the Chinese border, according to satellite images published by the AviVector project and reported by the Ukrainian outlet Militarnyi.

Satellite imagery dated February 9 shows 15 Su-57 aircraft parked in the open at the airfield. In addition to the fifth-generation fighters, the base hosts 18 Su-35S multirole fighters, three MiG-31BM interceptors, and two Mi-8 helicopters, according to the report.

Militarnyi stated that the total number of operational Su-57 aircraft remains limited. There is photographic confirmation of at least 16 airframes, with several additional combat aircraft recently delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces. Taking into account prototypes and early production units, the total fleet is estimated at approximately 20 to 25 aircraft.

The concentration of Su-57 fighters at Dzyomgi is not incidental. The air base is located near the Gagarin Aircraft Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, which is part of the United Aircraft Corporation and is responsible for assembling the Su-57.

Satellite images of Dzyomgi air base in the Khabarovsk region near the Chinese border. (AviVector pic)

According to Militarnyi, there are several possible explanations for the deployment. One explanation is that some aircraft remain in trial operation and gradual combat capability development, requiring close technical support and refinement at the manufacturing site.

Another explanation cited in the report is force protection. Militarnyi noted that positioning the fighters in the Far East places them at a greater distance from the combat zone in Ukraine and under a strong regional air defense umbrella.

The concentration follows previous attacks on Su-57 aircraft. Several Su-57 fighters were struck by Ukrainian drones at the Akhtubinsk air base in the Astrakhan region. In June 2024, the aircraft parking area at Akhtubinsk was targeted in a drone attack.

The Su-57 is Russia’s fifth-generation multirole fighter, designed for air superiority and strike missions. It features low-observable characteristics and advanced avionics and is intended to serve as the cornerstone of Russia’s future tactical aviation fleet.