A combat training aircraft crashed during takeoff in Moscow province on the morning of 23/7. The pilot safely ejected, and the aircraft fell in an uninhabited, open area, causing no damage on the ground," Russia's Defense Ministry announced.
The ministry did not specify the type of aircraft involved, adding that the plane was unarmed and the preliminary cause was identified as a technical malfunction.
The suspected crash site of a Russian Su-57 fighter in Moscow province on 23/7. Video: Instagram/haryachatochka
Russia's Kommersant newspaper, citing an anonymous source, previously reported that a Su-57 stealth fighter had crashed in the Odintsovo district of Moscow province. "The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case to investigate potential violations of regulations," the source stated.
Fighter Bomber, an account maintained by a Russian fighter pilot, confirmed an Su-57 had crashed. "A state committee has dispatched forces to the scene and will determine the cause of the incident," the account posted.
Images published by Russian media showed fire and smoke rising from a field, believed to be the Su-57 crash site. The online newspaper Mash reported that the Su-57 experienced issues during training, and the pilot attempted to steer the aircraft away from residential areas before ejecting.
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The suspected crash site of a Russian aircraft in Moscow province on 23/7. *Gazeta*
The Su-57 is Russia's 5th-generation multirole fighter, designed to destroy all types of air, ground, and sea targets. It features radar-absorbing materials and an optimized design for stealth against electronic reconnaissance systems. Each aircraft can carry a total of 6 internal weapons, including 4 in two belly bays and two missiles in two side bays.
Russia's Defense Ministry has ordered a total of 76 Su-57 fighters, with full delivery expected by 2028. As of early 2026, the Russian air force possesses approximately 44 Su-57s, comprising 10 test aircraft and 34 operational units.
The Su-57 fighter began participating in the Ukraine conflict two to three weeks after its outbreak. The Russian air force also tested various ground-attack weapons developed specifically for this stealth fighter, including the Kh-69 tactical cruise missile, which Ukrainian media described as "more formidable than the Kinzhal hypersonic missile".
In May, the two-seat Su-57D variant conducted its maiden flight and successfully completed its assigned tasks. This makes it the second 5th-generation fighter in the world to have a two-seat variant, following China's J-20S fighter.
Pham Giang (According to TASS, Kommersant, Lenta)
