Russia Builds Hardened Shelters to Shield Its Su-57 Most Advanced Jets From Ukrainian Attacks

Russia is rapidly fortifying one of its most important military aviation hubs, constructing reinforced aircraft shelters around operational fighter jets in an apparent effort to protect them from long-range Ukrainian strikes.

According to Military Watch Magazine, recent satellite imagery shows extensive construction at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant and the adjacent Dzemgi Air Base in Russia’s Far East.

The images indicate that engineers are building hardened shelters directly around aircraft already parked on the flight line rather than relocating them, allowing flight operations to continue while strengthening protection.

The publication said the aviation plant is Russia’s only production facility for the Su-57 and Su-35 fighter jets, while Dzemgi Air Base hosts operational squadrons equipped with Su-57, Su-35 and Su-30SM2 aircraft.

The Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name: Felon) is Russia’s first and only operational fifth-generation stealth fighter. After a decade-long and delay-plagued development program, it officially entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) in 2020.

Military Watch Magazine reports that satellite imagery also shows a large new production hall nearing completion alongside multiple reinforced shelters, some reportedly large enough to house two or three fighter aircraft.

The construction comes as Russia seeks to better protect high-value military assets following a series of successful long-range Ukrainian strikes against air bases deep inside Russian territory.

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Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian aviation infrastructure using long-range drones and missiles, striking airfields hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of kilometers from the front line.

Among the most significant operations was Operation Spider’s Web on June 1, 2025, which targeted several Russian air bases simultaneously. Ukrainian officials said the operation destroyed multiple strategic aircraft, including Tu-95MS and Tu-22M3 bombers.

Ukrainian forces have also repeatedly struck airfields hosting tactical aircraft, including Su-34 strike fighters and MiG-31 interceptors, while occupied Crimea has remained a frequent target of attacks on military infrastructure.

Why Su-57 is substandard

The Su-57 was designed to become Russia’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter and replace the aging MiG-29 and Su-27 fleets. India, originally a development partner, withdrew from the project in 2018, reportedly citing shortcomings in the aircraft’s radar, avionics and stealth capabilities.

As per Kyiv Post analysis, one of the Su-57’s biggest weaknesses has been its engines. The fighter was intended to receive the next-generation AL-51F1 engine, but most operational aircraft continue to rely on modified AL-41F1 engines derived from the Su-35.

Critics argue this has limited the aircraft’s performance and prevented it from fully meeting fifth-generation standards, particularly in sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.

Analysts have also questioned the aircraft’s stealth characteristics. Unlike the US F-22 Raptor, which features carefully shaped air intakes, rectangular exhaust nozzles and extensive radar-absorbing materials, the Su-57 retains exposed round engine nozzles that are considered easier to detect by radar and infrared sensors.

These design choices have fueled skepticism over Russia’s claims that the fighter possesses true fifth-generation stealth. The aircraft’s limited combat employment has further reinforced those doubts.

However, reports emerged in 2024 that Russia had used Su-57s in strikes against Ukraine.

A British intelligence assessment published in January said Moscow had “almost certainly” deployed the aircraft on combat missions, although there has been no visual confirmation of Su-57s operating over Ukrainian territory.

Military analysts have long suggested Russia has avoided flying the Su-57 over Ukraine out of concern that the aircraft could be shot down by Ukrainian air defense systems.