Russia halts Su‑57 jet production amid sanctions pressure

"It’s clear that Russia’s military industry heavily depends on Western components, particularly in electronics," explains the Ukrainian analytical group Frontelligence Insight.

According to a report published by the analysts, the West's sanctions have restricted the supply of this critical equipment, which threatens Su-57 production, summarizes Frontelligence Insight.

Upon reviewing Russian documents, Ukrainian analysts identified several key aspects that hinder jet production. Among them is an electronic device that reduces the amplitude or power of a signal without significantly distorting its shape, alongside power supplies. These components are part of the MPPU-50, a German device used for calibrating the Su-57’s communication system.

In the past, Sukhoi (the aircraft's manufacturer) could legally import the MPPU-50 and its components. However, the company now attempts to acquire them illegally from third parties. "Considering that Russian military production continued to expand in 2023 and 2024, it’s clear that they find ways to smuggle key components or purchase Chinese replacements to maintain production," states the Frontelligence Insight report.

However, illegally obtaining components is labour- and time-intensive, affecting production. As a result, it has become unprofitable. Sukhoi is shifting its focus to producing the Su-35, which, according to Ukrainian analysts, "has become more economical, which is also of great importance."

According to the document's authors, Russia has slightly more than 30 Su-57s in service, with one-third being test versions that may lack some planned electronic devices. This is "a paltry force for an air arm that deploys around a thousand front-line fighters – and which has lost a hundred of them in action over Ukraine since February 2022," comment the report's authors.