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The meeting, which Trump himself described as “highly anticipated,” is taking place amid growing concerns about military activity in the Arctic, where Russia is dominant and the United States has increasing interests. If Putin were to visit JBER, he could be accompanied by advanced Su-57s. Public information suggests that F-22s and Su-57s have not yet operated in the same airspace together.
The Su-57, also known as the Felon within NATO circles, is often seen as Russia’s equivalent to the U.S.’ F-22. Both are fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, equipped with advanced radars and avionics designed for undetected flight and the destruction of enemy air defense systems.
If the two aircraft were to meet over Alaska, both sides would likely try to learn as much about each other’s capabilities while hiding their own true strengths. Strategic analyst Frederik Mertens from TNO noted that Su-57s and F-22s have never previously been in the same airspace together, as there are relatively few of these advanced jets.
The U.S. operates an estimated 165 F-22 Raptors, while Russia has around 19 Su-57s. Unlike other Russian aircraft involved in Ukraine’s conflict, such as the Su-35, the Su-57 has not played a significant role in Russia’s air campaign against Ukraine.
According to intelligence reports from early 2023, the stealth fighter has mostly remained distant from frontline combat. However, recent Ukrainian reports indicate an increased use of the Su-57 by Russian forces. In mid-2024, Ukraine claimed it had successfully downed an Su-57 on an airfield hundreds of miles away.
Despite the secrecy surrounding their exact specifications, Mertens noted that the F-22 generally has superior stealth characteristics compared to the Russian aircraft, which still exhibit traits inherited from the Su-27 lineage. The Su-57 is more detectable by radars and infrared sensors than the F-22, although it remains a “very capable and very dangerous aircraft.”
To counter this, Mertens suggested that both sides might use radar reflectors similar to those on F-35s in NATO’s eastern airspace. The presence of these two advanced jets next to each other would serve as propaganda for Russia, as it gives the impression that they are true equals.
In summary, the potential clash between America’s F-22 and Russia’s Su-57 during this summit could mark a significant milestone in military capabilities and geopolitical tensions.
