Russia spends millions on incomplete Su-57 fighter jets amid sanctions

Russia's defense strategies have faced significant challenges due to ongoing sanctions, particularly impacting the Su-57, its only fifth-generation fighter jet. Documented evidence shows that the Russian Ministry of Defense entered into a 2019 agreement with Sukhoi, where the jet was delivered without essential subsystems, notably the 101KS-N electro-optical targeting system. This system is crucial because it provides all-weather surveillance and infrared targeting capabilities for ground targets. The absence of this subsystem, due to contractual amendments, raises considerable concerns about the operational readiness of the Su-57 in combat scenarios. The estimated cost of the Su-57 aircraft significantly increased with payments exceeding $37 million each, compounded by inflated overhead costs associated with the procurement contract. Awareness of pricing discrepancies emerged from audits that indicated potential duplicity in defense spending—effectively paying twice for jets advertised as fully equipped. As defense procurement practices revealed problematic trends, officials faced scrutiny regarding budgetary oversight and fiscal responsibility. The production of the Su-57 has also been hampered by sanctions affecting Russia's domestic defense industry, including disruptions in the supply of crucial components such as microchips imported from Western countries. Investigations into suppliers like Mikropribor highlighted the setbacks in manufacturing avionics modules, which further contributed to significant schedule delays in the delivery of the fighter jets. Senior officials in the Russian Defense Ministry have publicly acknowledged these delays, linking them directly to the pressure of sanctions. Despite these operational hurdles, analysts suggest that the limited deployment of the Su-57 may also stem from strategic considerations, as the Russian military may be cautious about potential reputational loss should any jets be downed. The overarching challenges surrounding the Su-57 program illustrate the complexities entailed in military procurement under the constraints of international sanctions, forcing Russia to operate its advanced warplane in a compromised state, which could jeopardize its effectiveness in conflict zones.