Russia’s Export Variant For Su-57 Enters Production – First Global Delivery Imminent in 2025

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Sukhoi Su-57E, Russia’s export variant of the cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet, is poised to enter full-scale production this year, marking a pivotal moment in Moscow’s ambition to challenge Western air superiority.

Algeria, its first confirmed international customer, is set to take delivery of the advanced multirole fighter within the same timeframe, ushering in a new era in the North African nation’s aerial combat capabilities.

According to Russia’s state arms export agency, ROSOBORONEXPORT, as cited by recent media reports, this milestone represents a strategic breakthrough—not only cementing the Su-57E’s presence in the global fighter jet market but also reinforcing Russia’s influence in the high-stakes arms trade.

As competition in the fifth-generation fighter segment intensifies, the Su-57E’s export success could reshape global defense dynamics, offering an alternative to Western stealth platforms while expanding Moscow’s footprint in key geopolitical regions.

However, the agency has remained tight-lipped about the identity of the first export customer.

Speaking to Interfax, Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev confirmed that the delivery of the advanced multirole fighter jet to a foreign client is slated for this year.

“We have signed the first contract for an international customer,” he stated, noting that interest in Russia’s cutting-edge stealth platform remains strong.

Despite official secrecy, speculation has been rife regarding the identity of the first buyer.

Last month, Algeria’s state-owned television station confirmed that the North African nation had secured the distinction of becoming the Su-57E’s launch export customer, ending years of conjecture about its inaugural foreign operator.

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

Algeria’s acquisition of the Su-57E represents a major shift in the airpower dynamics of North Africa, significantly altering the strategic calculus of the region.

As one of Russia’s most valued defense clients, Algeria has long relied on Russian-made fighter jets to maintain a qualitative edge over its regional competitors, particularly Morocco, which has steadily strengthened its defense ties with the United States and Israel.

The Algerian Air Force currently operates a fleet of advanced Russian aircraft, including the Su-30MKA, MiG-29, and Su-24, and has long expressed interest in acquiring a stealth fighter.

The purchase of the Su-57E is widely seen as part of Algeria’s broader 2021–2027 military modernization program, which reportedly allocated substantial funding for next-generation defense technologies.

According to reports, Algeria initially plans to acquire six Su-57E units, with the potential for future expansion based on operational requirements and the evolving security landscape.

The acquisition is likely a direct response to Morocco’s procurement of the F-16 Block 70/72, which Rabat has been integrating into its air force.

Furthermore, recent reports suggest that Morocco is actively considering acquiring the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a move that could further escalate the aerial arms race between the two North African rivals.

The Su-57E is designed to rival Western fifth-generation fighters, boasting cutting-edge stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and a suite of next-generation weaponry.

Key features of the Su-57E include:

• Stealth and Supermaneuverability – The aircraft’s stealth design and thrust-vectoring engines provide superior agility, making it a formidable adversary in air-to-air combat.

• Advanced Radar Systems – Equipped with the N036 Byelka Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the Su-57E offers a significant advantage in target acquisition and situational awareness compared to older systems like the Irbis-E radar on the Su-35BM.

• AI-Integrated Avionics – The jet incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) systems to assist pilots, acting as a virtual co-pilot to enhance combat effectiveness.

• Next-Generation Weaponry – The Su-57E is capable of deploying hypersonic missiles and a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, giving Algeria a potent deterrent against potential adversaries.

Meanwhile, Vadim Badekha, Director General of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), assured that Russia’s Su-57 production facility in Komsomolsk-on-Amur is fully equipped to meet both domestic and international demand, with continuous modernization efforts underway to streamline production and enhance quality control.

At Airshow 2024 in Zhuhai, China, Russia formally announced its first export contract for the Su-57E, but remained silent on the buyer’s identity.

However, Algeria has long been at the forefront of discussions surrounding the jet’s export prospects.

With the imminent delivery of the Su-57E, Algeria is set to become the first African nation to field a fifth-generation fighter jet, marking a historic step in its military aviation capabilities.

As regional tensions simmer and defense alliances shift, Algeria’s move to introduce stealth fighters into its air force signals a new era in North African military strategy—one where technological superiority will play an increasingly decisive role in maintaining regional stability and deterrence.

This acquisition not only underscores Russia’s growing influence in the global arms market, but also sets the stage for a new arms competition in the Maghreb, as Morocco weighs its own next-generation fighter jet options.

With Algeria leading the way, the Su-57E may soon find itself attracting even greater interest from nations seeking an alternative to Western fifth-generation fighters—a prospect that could redefine the global defense landscape in the years to come.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA