Russia’s Su-57E Roars into Production – First Global Delivery Set for 2025

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The export variant of Russia’s fifth-generation fighter jet, the Su-57E (Export), has officially entered production, with its first international customer expected to receive the aircraft later this year.

According to Russia’s state arms export agency, Rosoboronexport, as cited by media reports, this marks a historic milestone for the fighter jet as it expands its market presence, particularly in the global defense sector.

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

However, he declined to disclose the identity of the export customer.

Meanwhile, Vadim Badekha, Director General of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), told the TASS news agency that the Su-57 production facility in Komsomolsk-on-Amur is fully equipped to manufacture the fifth-generation fighter for both domestic and international markets.

He added that the facility undergoes continuous modernization and capacity upgrades to ensure efficient production of the aircraft.

At the Airshow 2024 in Zhuhai, China, last November, Russia officially announced the first export contract for the Su-57E Felon, the export variant developed by Sukhoi.

The announcement was made by Mikheev, though he refused to reveal which foreign nation had placed the order for Russia’s cutting-edge fighter jet.

“We have signed the first contract (for an international customer),” he stated, adding that global interest in Russia’s fifth-generation fighter remains strong.

Although the identity of the first export buyer remains undisclosed, speculation suggests that Algeria may be the inaugural customer.

According to recent reports from the Russian Arms Telegram channel, a delegation of senior Russian officials recently visited Algeria, possibly to finalize negotiations for the acquisition of the Su-57E fighter jet for the North African nation.

Algeria has long been one of Russia’s top defense customers in Africa, second only to India.

The Algerian Air Force currently operates several Russian-made fighter jets, including the Su-30MKA, MiG-29, and Su-24.

The country has expressed interest in the Su-57 for several years, with previous reports indicating that Algeria sought to procure 14 units of the fifth-generation fighter.

In 2020, media reports suggested that the Algerian government allocated funding for the acquisition of modern weapon systems under its 2021–2027 military modernization program.

Among the advanced systems Algeria reportedly planned to procure was the Su-57 fighter jet.

The acquisition is believed to be a strategic response to its regional rival, Morocco, which has purchased F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets from the United States.

Recent reports also indicate that Morocco, which maintains close defense ties with the U.S. and Israel, is considering acquiring the F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet from Lockheed Martin.

The Su-57E boasts an advanced avionics suite that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to assist pilots, functioning as a virtual co-pilot.

Its radar system, the N036 Byelka, is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, offering superior detection and tracking capabilities compared to the Irbis-E radar used on the Su-35BM.

With its cutting-edge technology and enhanced combat capabilities, the Su-57E is poised to become a formidable asset for international air forces seeking a next-generation fighter jet.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA