Vladimir Putin was escorted by six of Russia's newest fighter plane, the SU-57 before meeting with Sec. Pompeo

Six of Russia's SU-57's. Warzone/The Drive.

Vladimir Putin was escorted to a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Mike Pompeo by six of Russia's newest fighter jets, the SU-57. Warzone/The Drive. The number of fighters is significant as Russia has about a dozen of the fifth generation stealth fighters. Though Russia is deferring production for now, the display may entice foreign buyers. Putin also inspected upgraded MIG 35's and SU-35's as well as the new Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile. 

Путин прилетел в Ахтубинск, где осмотрит образцы перспективного вооружения. Борт номер один на подлете сопровождало звено из шести истребителей Су-57 pic.twitter.com/lrUPtlquLB

— Кремлевский пул РИА (@Kremlinpool_RIA) May 14, 2019

Video of Putin’s fighter escort today with 6 Su-57. https://t.co/H0YciF3zYG pic.twitter.com/i25phmPr9C

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) May 14, 2019

Air-to-Air　で撮影したSu-57ちゃん6機変態・・・もとい、編隊。 pic.twitter.com/sjIejEIbva

— act (@zaylog) May 15, 2019

My Comment:
I mostly posted this as an excuse for showing all that cool jet footage. The SU-57 is a good looking plane and seeing so many of them at once is very impressive. Supposedly this is the largest number of the jets filmed at once and I believe it. 

However, I think this was more than just showing off for Putin and Russia. Sure, that is obviously part of it, Russia wants to drum up some sale for their advanced weapons systems, but I don't think that's the whole story here.

My guess is that Putin is sending a message to America and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Putin wants to remind the United States that Russia is still a major power and has some pretty advanced weapons. Though the SU-57 isn't a match for the F-22 and perhaps not even the F-35, it is still a very impressive fighter.