A Russian warplane crashed during a routine training mission in the Moscow region on Thursday, the state news agency TASS reported, citing the Defense Ministry.
The pilot ejected safely from the unarmed aircraft, according to military officials. No injuries or ground damage were reported.
The Defense Ministry did not identify the type of aircraft. However, an anonymous source familiar with the incident told the newspaper Kommersant that the plane was a fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet.
Kommersant reported that investigators launched a criminal probe into potential violations of flight safety rules.
The Su-57, manufactured by Sukhoi, is Russia’s flagship stealth fighter designed to replace Soviet-era aircraft such as the Su-27 and MiG-29.
Entering service with Russia’s Aerospace Forces in December 2020, Sukhoi planned to deliver 67 of the fifth-generation jets by 2028. Each aircraft is estimated to cost roughly 2.2 billion rubles ($28 million).
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
