In a significant setback for Russia’s military ambitions, the country has suspended production of its advanced Su-57 Felon fighter jets.

This decision primarily stems from the impact of Western sanctions, which have severely restricted access to essential components needed for the aircraft’s production, as reported by The Telegraph.

Analysts from the Ukrainian research group Frontelligence Insight have emphasized the heavy reliance of Russia’s military industry on Western technology, particularly in electronics. They noted that sanctions have throttled the supply of critical hardware, jeopardizing the Su-57’s production.

Frontelligence Insight conducted an analysis of Russian documents, identifying key bottlenecks in the production process. Among these were the WA36 attenuator—an electronic device crucial for signal calibration—and various power supplies.

These components are integral to the MPPU-50, a German device essential for calibrating the Su-57’s communication system. The lack of these critical parts has forced Russian military leaders to reassess their plans for modernizing their air fleet.

As a result of these production challenges, the Russian military is considering shifting its focus to more economical fighter jets, such as the MiG-35. The potential revival of production for older aircraft models, despite their simplicity, may represent a symbolic victory for Russia’s adversaries.

The Su-57 program was originally intended to bring Russia’s capabilities in line with those of the U.S. Air Force. However, the situation is increasingly dire; by the time Russia fulfills its initial order of Su-57 jets, the U.S. Air Force is already advancing plans for a new stealth fighter to succeed the F-22.

First taking flight in 2010, the Su-57 has faced a tumultuous path. Over the past decade, Sukhoi has painstakingly hand-built ten test models. In 2019, the Kremlin signed a contract for 76 serial production jets at an estimated cost of $50 million each.

To date, Sukhoi has delivered the first ten serial models to the Russian Air Force in 2022, followed by eleven more in 2023, with only a few additional jets delivered in 2024.

Compounding the situation, Russia’s air force has already suffered losses, with two Su-57s—one test model and one serial production model—crashing in separate incidents. Additionally, a strike on the Akhtubinsk airfield in June destroyed at least one Su-57, further straining the program.

As the suspension of Su-57 production unfolds, the future of Russia’s military aviation capabilities remains uncertain, with the nation grappling with the repercussions of ongoing sanctions and the pressing need for modernization.