Russia Eyes Game-Changing Alliance with Arab Nations for Next-Gen Fighter Jet Production!

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –Amid the buzz of IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, a Rosoboronexport representative made a striking revelation to the gathered media—confirming that the company is deep in negotiations with Arab nations for a groundbreaking collaboration in the production of fifth-generation fighter jets.

Delivered amidst the grandeur of one of the Middle East’s most prestigious defense showcases, the statement sends a clear signal of Moscow’s unwavering ambition to fortify its aerospace presence in a region where Western dominance has long prevailed.

However, the representative did not specify which fifth-generation fighter jet was being referred to, whether the Su-57 Felon or the Su-75 Checkmate.

The statement, made during one of the Middle East’s premier defense exhibitions, underscores Moscow’s intent to strengthen its aerospace ties in a region long dominated by Western suppliers.

With the global arms market closely observing developments, the potential partnership highlights Russia’s ambition to expand its footprint in the Gulf, where military modernization and technological autonomy are increasingly prioritized.

Russia’s export variant of its fifth-generation fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-57E (Export), is set to enter production this year, with its first international customer expected to receive the aircraft within the same timeframe.

According to Rosoboronexport, this marks a historic milestone for the fighter jet as it seeks to expand its market reach, particularly on the international stage.

Speaking to the Interfax news agency, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev confirmed that the first export customer of the Su-57E will receive and operate the advanced multirole fighter jet this year.

However, he refrained from disclosing the identity of the first export customer for the Su-57E.

Algeria’s state-owned television network has confirmed that the North African nation is the first export customer for Russia’s fifth-generation fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, finally resolving speculation about its initial foreign buyer.

The Algerian broadcaster reported, “Algerian pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia, and the delivery of the Su-57 fighter jets is expected to take place this year.”

However, the network did not specify the number of Su-57 aircraft Algeria is set to acquire or the cost of the procurement.

Unofficial sources suggest that Algeria may initially acquire only six units of the Su-57 fighter jet.

The Su-75 “Checkmate” represents Russia’s response to the United States’ dominance in fifth-generation stealth fighter technology.

Russia’s renowned aircraft manufacturer, Sukhoi, is positioning the Checkmate as a more cost-effective alternative to Western stealth fighter jets, combining advanced capabilities with a more affordable price tag.

With stealth technology that makes it nearly undetectable by radar, Russia’s fifth-generation fighter jet, which is already in operational service with the Russian Air Force, including in Ukraine, poses a significant challenge for adversary aircraft and air defense systems.

Building on this success, Russia has accelerated efforts to develop its latest stealth fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-75, focusing on affordability and targeting the international market.

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has confirmed that the development of the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate is now in its final stages.

The company has also revealed plans to export the aircraft to international markets, including India.

According to Russian news agency TASS, Sergei Korotkov, a senior official at United Aircraft Corporation, described the Su-75 as a single-engine fifth-generation fighter jet that is nearing the completion of its development phase.

“The development of the fifth-generation Su-75 Checkmate tactical fighter jet has reached an advanced stage, enabling further progress in the program to be viewed with optimism,” said Sergei Korotkov, Chief Designer and Deputy Director of UAC, in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Korotkov also stated that several international buyers are considering the aircraft, emphasizing the strong market demand for the jet.

He further noted that “the development process is progressing smoothly.”

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA