On November 13, 2024, Rosoboronexport, Russia's state arms export agency, announced the signing of the first export contract for the Sukhoi Su-57, the country's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This landmark agreement was revealed during the Zhuhai Airshow in China, a key event for showcasing military technology. Although the identity of the buyer was not disclosed by Rosoboronexport's CEO Alexander Mikheev, there has been speculation that countries like Algeria or even China, due to their strategic military partnerships with Russia, might be among the interested parties.
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The Su-57, known by its NATO reporting name "Felon," has been in development for over two decades, encountering various production delays and technological challenges. Despite these hurdles, the jet is celebrated for its advanced capabilities, including supercruise (the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners), reduced radar visibility through internal weapon bays, and an array of cutting-edge avionics. These features position the Su-57 as a direct competitor to the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
The export version, dubbed Su-57E, aims to attract foreign militaries with its versatility in air superiority, ground-attack missions, and electronic warfare, further enhanced by its integration of the latest Russian missile technologies. The interest in the Su-57E also reflects a global trend toward acquiring fifth-generation fighters that can operate in contested environments with advanced air defenses.
Russia's decision to export the Su-57 comes at a crucial time as it seeks to bolster its arms industry amidst economic pressures from Western sanctions. Securing international contracts for the Su-57 not only affirms the aircraft's capabilities but also provides an economic boost to Russia's defense sector. This deal could potentially pave the way for more sales as other nations look to upgrade their air forces with state-of-the-art technology, thereby challenging the dominance of Western aircraft manufacturers in the global arms market.