Russia tests new stealth fighter jet over Syria

Russia is testing its new stealth fighter in Syrian skies to measure its capability against top Western counterparts.

The fifth-generation SU-57 stealth jet is designed to attack air and ground targets while evading radar detection, reports the UK Telegraph.

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Russian air force chiefs hope the aircraft will match the US military’s Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor when fully developed.

Its presence in war-torn Syria has been disclosed by ground footage and media reports.

Last week a Twitter account that scrutinises the conflict posted a video and photos of what appeared to be two SU-57s landing at a Russian air base in Syria.

The independent Russian newspaper Kommersant reported the new stealth fighters are not being deployed for combat missions.

Instead air force engineers are testing its radar and electronic warfare capability.

But by flying over Syria the SU-57’s performance can also be compared with the US military’s F-22s and the Israeli air force’s Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

Russian President Vladimir Putin who is bidding for re-election next month is making the upgrade of the country’s military his top priority.

The term fifth generation is used in general to describe the latest jet fighters.

US aviation manufacturer Lockheed Martin defines the type of plane as having the following: complete radar invisibility; high-performance air frames; advanced avionics and integrated software.

Australia is spending $17b on an American-built stealth joint strike fighter to equip the RAAF.

The first of 72 Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft are scheduled to be delivered to Australia later this year. 

Last month, China announced its J-20 stealth fighter was ready to conduct combat exercises.