A large grouping of Russian Aerospace Forces fighters has been recorded at Dzyomgi Air Base near Komsomolsk-on-Amur: satellite images dated February 9, 2026 showed 15 fifth-generation Su-57 fighters, 18 Su-35S generation 4++ aircraft, and three MiG-31BM interceptors. This was reported by the Telegram channel "Voennaya khronika," citing analysis of images obtained by American satellites operated by Vantor.
Such a concentration of equipment at the airfield, combined with the production facilities of the Yuri Gagarin Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAZ), indicates preparations for the transfer of the latest aircraft to operational units of the Aerospace Forces. It was previously reported that the Ministry of Defence received from KnAAZ a batch of Su-57s in an updated technical configuration with improved onboard systems and a weapons suite.
Dzyomgi airfield has traditionally served as a site for the first flights of prototypes and for the handover of serial-production equipment to the customer. The base's location in immediate proximity to the aircraft plant makes it possible to promptly carry out pre-flight preparation, testing, and the formation of aviation groups before redeployment to permanent bases.
It should be noted that the Su-57, accepted into service in 2020, continues to be delivered to the troops under a contract for 76 aircraft. At the same time, squadrons are being re-equipped with Su-35S fighters to replace outdated Su-27SM aircraft, while the modernized MiG-31BM continues to play a key role in the air defense system of the Russian Far East.
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