Russia fortifies Su-57 fighter production plant under pressure from Ukrainian attacks
Photo: Russia is stepping up security at the plant where Su-57 fighter jets are manufactured (Getty Images)
Russia is strengthening the protection of key military aviation facilities against Ukraine's long-range strikes. In particular, a plant that produces Russia's two most advanced fighter jet types - the Su-57 and Su-35, reports Military Watch.
According to the report, large-scale construction work is underway at the aircraft plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and the neighboring Dzyomgi air base.
The aircraft plant is the only facility that produces Russia's two most advanced fighter jet types - the Su-57 and Su-35 - and has received significant investment over the past decade, contributing to a major expansion of production.
The latest satellite images show the near completion of a new large production workshop, alongside numerous reinforced aircraft shelters designed to protect some of Russia's most advanced combat aircraft, including Su-57, Su-35S, and Su-30SM2 fighter jets.
The media notes that the construction of fortified shelters at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant reflects an expanded nationwide program to improve the survivability of Russia's aviation infrastructure following a series of Ukrainian attacks on air bases deep inside Russian territory.
Experts have drawn attention to the rapid pace of construction. Several protective shelters are now being built directly around aircraft already parked on the runway.
Engineers are constructing reinforced structures around the aircraft, minimizing flight disruptions while quickly increasing protection.
Several recently built shelters appear large enough to accommodate multiple aircraft at the same time, with some capable of housing two or even three fighter jets.
The media also notes that alongside the Komsomolsk aircraft plant, Dzyomgi air base hosts operational fighter units equipped with Su-35 and Su-57 aircraft, making it one of the most strategically important aviation facilities in the world.
Therefore, protecting both production facilities and operational aircraft is becoming an increasingly important priority as Ukraine's Armed Forces demonstrate growing long-range strike capabilities.
Destruction of Russian fighter jets
On the night of July 1, SBU drones struck hangars housing Russian fighter jets at the Saky military airfield in occupied Crimea.
Five SBU drone hits on hangars storing aircraft were confirmed. At the time of the strike, two of the hangars contained Su-30 and Su-30SM fighter jets.
On July 3, SBU drones struck fighter jets at the Saky airfield for the second time in a week and also targeted hangars at the Hvardiiske airfield in occupied Crimea.
At the Saky airfield, seven hangars used to store aircraft were hit. They housed Su-30SM, Su-30, and Su-24 fighter jets and frontline bombers. At least seven aircraft were destroyed or damaged.
On the night of July 5, Ukrainian drones attacked the Hvardiiske airfield in Crimea. Russia uses it for combat sorties, logistics, and aircraft maintenance.
During a Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) drone strike on the Belbek airfield in temporarily occupied Crimea on the night of June 26, a Russian MiG-29 fighter jet was also destroyed.
