Russia afraid of using Su-57 FELON over Ukraine - UK intelligence
The UK Ministry of Defense said this in its latest intelligence update, Ukrinform reports.
According to the report, since at least June 2022, Russian Aerospace Forces have almost certainly used Su-57 FELON to conduct missions against Ukraine. These missions have likely been limited to flying over Russian territory, launching long range air-to-surface or air-to-air missiles into Ukraine.
According to British intelligence, FELON is Russia's most advanced fifth-generation supersonic combat jet, employing stealth technologies and highly advanced avionics.
Recent commercially available imagery shows five FELON parked at Akhtubinsk Air Base, which hosts the 929th Flight Test Center. As this is the only known FELON base, these aircraft have likely been involved in operations against Ukraine, the update said.
"Russia is highly likely prioritizing avoiding the reputational damage, reduced export prospects, and the compromise of sensitive technology which would come from any loss of FELON over Ukraine," UK intelligence said.
