Production of Su-57 fighter jets has been suspended in Russia.
Western sanctions have brought electronics essential to the Russian military-industrial complex to a standstill. As a result, the production of the Su-57 was in jeopardy. This was reported by The Telegraph with reference to the Ukrainian analytical group Frontelligence Insight.
It is noted that the enemies lack the WA36 attenuator (an electronic device that reduces the amplitude or power of a signal without significantly distorting its shape) and power supplies. These components are part of the MPPU-50, a German device for calibrating the communications system on the Su-57.
Previously, the Russian company Sukhoi could legally import the MPPU-50 and spare parts for the MPPU-50, but now must buy them illegally from third parties.
Given that Russian military production continued to increase in 2023 and 2024, it is clear that they are finding ways to smuggle key components or purchasing Chinese substitutes to support production, analysts point out.
It is stated that illegal imports require time, effort and money. And this is precisely what not only slowed down the pace of production of new Su-57s, but increased the cost of the fighter.
According to the calculations of the authors of the article, no more than 30 Su-57s remain in service with the Russian Armed Forces. Moreover, a third of them are test models, potentially lacking some of the planned electronics.
Let us recall that in June of this year it became known that two Russian Su-57 aircraft were hit on Russian territory. They were attacked at an airfield almost 600 km from the Ukrainian border line. One of these fighters was significantly damaged, while the other suffered minor damage.
Source: Frontelligence Insight
Source: Racurs
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