Russia Concentrates Most of Its Su-57 Fleet at a Single Airbase

The Russian Aerospace Forces have concentrated a large share of their Su-57 fighter jets at the Dzyomgi airbase in Russia’s Khabarovsk region.

Satellite images released by the AviVector project confirm this.

The images, dated February 9, capture 15 Su-57 fighter aircraft parked in the open. Also visible at the airbase are 18 Su-35S fighter jets, three MiG-31BM interceptor aircraft, and two Mi-8 helicopters.

Overall, the number of Su-57 fighter aircraft remains limited. There is photographic evidence confirming at least 16 jets, and several additional combat aircraft have been delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces recently.

Thus, the total number of Su-57s including experimental prototypes can be estimated at around 20 to 25 units.

🔻 Satellite images of 🇷🇺 Dzyomgi Airport as of February 9, 01:57 UTC

The air base housed 15 Su-57 (Felon), 18 Su-35S (Flanker-E), 3 MiG-31BM (Foxhound), and 2 Mi-8 (Hip).

Satellite imagery captured a record number of Su-57 in the open air for the first time.

Today, the United… pic.twitter.com/mwb2lMvbRK

— AviVector (@avivector) February 9, 2026

The deployment of the aircraft at the Dzyomgi airbase is not accidental. The Gagarin Aircraft Plant – part of the United Aircraft Corporation – is located there, and it is where these fighter jets are assembled.

There are several possible explanations for the concentration of Su-57s near the plant.

First, some of the aircraft may still be undergoing trial operation and the gradual acquisition of full combat capabilities, which requires ongoing technical support and further refinement.

A second, no less likely explanation is an effort to protect the fighters from Ukrainian long-range drones and cruise missiles by stationing them in a region with a strong air defense system and far from the active combat zone.

It is worth recalling that the Ukrainian side has already struck at least two Su-57 fighters at the Akhtubinsk airbase in Russia’s Astrakhan region.

In June 2024, the aircraft parking area there came under a drone attack.

According to Russian propaganda outlets, one of the aircraft sustained serious damage, to the extent that the feasibility of restoring it was even called into question.