The Su-57 has been equipped with a new targeting pod, increasing the threat it poses to Ukraine

A Russian Su-57 fighter jet was spotted carrying a new pod that significantly expands its capabilities for detecting and engaging targets.

This is the 101KS-N pod, which is part of the 101KS “Atoll” optoelectronic system. According to specialized sources, a video posted online shows the aircraft flying over central regions of Russia, likely to intercept Ukrainian drones.

The 101KS-N is a multi-channel optoelectronic targeting system that allows for the detection, identification, and tracking of air and ground targets, the determination of their coordinates, and the transmission of data for the use of airborne weapons.

Experts note that the addition of this pod effectively transforms the Su-57 into a full-fledged multi-role fighter with enhanced strike capabilities. In terms of functionality, the system is compared to the American AN/AAQ-33 Sniper pod.

At the same time, installing an external pod partially reduces the aircraft’s stealth characteristics, which is one of the Su-57’s key features.

The pod was first spotted on a prototype of the fighter in 2018, but there have been no signs of its serial production to date.

Russia attackedUkraine with 209 drones overnight; air defense forces destroyed 180 targets.

On the night of May 19, Russian troops once again attacked the Izmail district of the Odesa region. Port infrastructure facilities in Izmail came under fire.

In the Dnipropetrovsk region on May 19, more than 20 attacks involving artillery and drones were recorded, resulting in two people being wounded. The shelling damaged infrastructure facilities, administrative buildings, and private homes in several districts of the region.