Is Algeria Set to Become the First Operator of Russia’s Fifth-Generation Su-57E Fighter Jet?

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – At the recently concluded Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, Russia announced the first export contract for the Su-57E Felon, the export variant of its fifth-generation fighter developed by Sukhoi.

The announcement was made by Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-owned arms export agency, though he declined to reveal the identity of the first international buyer of the advanced fighter jet.

“We have signed the first contract with a foreign customer,” Mikheev stated, adding that interest in the Russian-made fifth-generation fighter is high.

Mikheev also highlighted that the combat experience of the Su-57E export variant qualifies it as a true fifth-generation fighter jet.

“The Su-57E meets all the requirements of a fifth-generation fighter. Its main competitive advantage lies in its real combat experience,” he said.

“The Russian Ministry of Defense has confirmed its excellent performance in combat. This fighter jet is a highly effective weapon system equipped with the latest missiles and features high survivability through its low signature and modern internal defense systems,” he added.

Although the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed, speculation suggests Algeria may become the first export customer.

The exact number of aircraft involved has yet to be confirmed.

However, during the 2019 visit of an Algerian military delegation to the Moscow International Aviation and Space Show (MAKS), reports indicated Algeria planned to acquire 14 Su-57 fighter jets.

In September 2020, Algeria was named the first export customer, and by November 2020, reports suggested a contract had been signed.

According to early reports, the first batch of 14 Su-57 fighter jets is expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2027.

Historically, Algeria has been a key customer for Russian defense products, seeking to maintain a strategic military balance in North Africa.

The Algerian Air Force currently operates a diverse fleet of Russian-made aircraft, including Su-30MKA, MiG-29, and Su-24 strike jets.

This longstanding partnership has cemented Algeria’s reputation as a major partner in Moscow’s defense export strategy, making it a logical choice for introducing the Su-57 to the international market.

Over the past decade, defense ties between Algeria and Russia have deepened significantly, driven by Algeria’s strategic focus on upgrading its military capabilities and diversifying its arsenal with cutting-edge systems.

Between 2010 and 2020, Algeria signed significant contracts for advanced platforms, such as Su-30MKA and MiG-29M/M2 fighters, as well as upgraded T-90S main battle tanks.

Russia has also supplied Algeria with advanced air defense systems, including the S-300PMU-2 and, more recently, the S-400 Triumf, underscoring the importance of their collaboration.

These agreements reflect Algeria’s reliance on Russian expertise to counterbalance NATO-supplied systems in the region.

For the first time, Russia showcased the Su-57E export variant and its weapon systems at Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai.

The Su-57E export variant also performed a demonstration flight during the airshow, based on the Su-57 Felon.

The presence of the Su-57E export variant at Airshow China highlights Russia’s commitment to attracting potential customers for the Su-57 as a fifth-generation fighter jet.

With a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 34,000 kg and an operational range of up to 7,800 km with in-flight refueling, the Su-57E is designed for endurance and versatility.

It is equipped with two engines, each generating 14,500 kgf of thrust, and can achieve a maximum speed of 1,350 km/h at near-ground level.

The fighter jet is classified as “supermaneuverable” with supersonic capabilities, meeting the operational requirements of various international customers.

The Su-57 is designed as a fifth-generation multirole fighter capable of neutralizing air, ground, and naval targets, monitoring airspace from its base, and more.

It can carry a weapon payload of up to 10 tons. – DSA