[EXCLUSIVE] Su-57E Spearheads Russia’s Power Projection in Southeast Asia’s Airspace Battlefield

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC, Russia’s state arms export agency and a key instrument of the Kremlin’s defence diplomacy, has unveiled a sweeping initiative to market its fifth-generation Su-57E stealth fighter to Southeast Asian air forces, signalling a renewed push for influence in a region increasingly caught in the crosswinds of US-China strategic competition.

In an exclusive briefing with Defence Security Asia, a senior ROSOBORONEXPORT official confirmed that alongside the Su-57E, Russia is actively promoting its twin-engine super-maneuverable Su-35 and the multirole Su-30SME, as part of a broad-spectrum campaign to bolster regional aerial capabilities.

“Among the key proposals being put forward by Russia to strengthen the air combat capabilities of Southeast Asian air forces are the fifth-generation multirole Su-57E, as well as the super-maneuverable Su-35 and Su-30SME multirole fighters,” the spokesperson stated.

The Su-57E represents Russia’s most advanced entry into the global fifth-generation fighter market, combining stealth, supersonic cruising capabilities, advanced sensor fusion, and deep strike potential across both land and maritime domains.

Designed for dominance in contested airspace, the aircraft features a reduced radar cross-section, enabling low-observable operations critical in modern anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments.

“Key features of the Su-57E include an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a modern electronic warfare suite, intelligent pilot assistance systems, extreme maneuverability, and the integration of next-generation air-launched weapons,” the official explained.

“This fusion of cutting-edge technologies makes the Su-57E one of the most formidable strategic air assets Russia has to offer Southeast Asian nations,” he said, referencing the platform’s multi-spectral survivability and enhanced mission flexibility.

Complementing this flagship fighter is the Su-35, renowned for its extended-range target detection, robust weapons payload, and long-range mission profile—attributes that position it as a credible fourth-generation-plus threat in any air dominance scenario.

The Su-30SME, designed with tandem seating, adds further operational value, enabling extended-duration missions over maritime zones and accommodating pilot training roles in addition to full-spectrum combat operations.

Across Southeast Asia, Russian combat aircraft have long served as critical elements in national airpower doctrines, valued for their performance, versatility, and cost-effective sustainment when compared to Western counterparts.

Vietnam remains Moscow’s most entrenched customer in the region, operating squadrons of Su-27 and Su-30MK2 fighters that play a frontline role in safeguarding its sovereign airspace amid mounting tensions in the South China Sea.

Malaysia’s Royal Air Force continues to rely heavily on the Su-30MKM, a bespoke variant tailored to national requirements, integrating French electronic warfare systems, South African cockpit displays, and advanced Russian propulsion and weapons systems.

Indonesia, too, has leveraged the Su-27SK and Su-30MK2 to assert airspace control and maintain strategic presence across the vast Indonesian archipelago, with prior interest in acquiring the Su-35 stymied by geopolitical pressure and the threat of US CAATSA sanctions.

Myanmar has joined the list of regional operators, reportedly acquiring the Su-30SME in a deal reflecting deeper Moscow-Naypyidaw defence cooperation over the past several years.

The ROSOBORONEXPORT spokesperson emphasized Russia’s readiness to expand beyond traditional arms sales, offering industrial partnerships and localized production for client nations across the ASEAN bloc.

“Russia is offering a broad framework for defence-technical cooperation across all branches of security forces in the region, including licensed production and co-development of weapons and military systems,” he said, citing prior successes in bilateral industrial collaboration.

Potential cooperation areas include licensed manufacturing of small arms, multi-caliber ammunition, air defence missile systems, electronic warfare technologies, anti-tank guided weapons, and armoured vehicles tailored for tropical and littoral environments.

ROSOBORONEXPORT has formally confirmed its participation in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025, held from May 20 to 24, marking its first appearance at the prestigious defence forum since 2019.

“Malaysia is a key and long-standing partner for ROSOBORONEXPORT in Southeast Asia, and our military-technical cooperation has strong potential for future growth,” said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT.

“The Malaysian Armed Forces continue to operate a wide array of Russian-supplied defence assets, including fighter jets, helicopters, ground force equipment, and air defence systems,” he added.

“The Su-30MKM fighters, which remain the backbone of the RMAF, are currently maintained by Aerospace Technology System Corporation (ATSC)—a Russian-Malaysian joint venture based in-country,” Mikheev said.

“This is a successful model of technology cooperation, and we are ready to deepen it comprehensively.”

Among the main attractions at LIMA 2025 will be the aerial demonstrations by the renowned Russian Knights, featuring the Su-35S and Su-30SM in high-performance flight routines that have long been crowd favourites at global air shows.

In the strategic lift category, Russia is showcasing the IL-76MD-90A(E), a heavy-lift aircraft capable of transporting 60 tons of cargo over 4,000 kilometres, adaptable for troop transport, cargo drops, airborne firefighting, and as a flying medical facility.

Rotary-wing assets include the Ka-52E “Alligator” and the Mi-28NME “Night Hunter” attack helicopters, along with the Mi-171Sh utility helicopter—all of which have demonstrated high reliability and are actively sought after in Asia’s varied operational theatres.

In the air defence segment, Russia is offering its latest generation of integrated missile systems designed to secure administrative centres, military bases, and critical infrastructure from aerial threats.

Systems on display include the long-range Antey-4000, the S-350E Vityaz, and the Viking medium-range SAM platforms developed by Almaz-Antey—each capable of engaging modern air threats including UAVs, ballistic missiles, and precision-guided munitions.

Shorter-range solutions include the Pantsir-S1M and Pantsir-SMD-E, optimized for intercepting cruise missiles and low-flying drones, while the Verba MANPADS provides mobile point defence against aerial intrusions.

These systems were tested under live combat-like conditions during Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, 2025, where they successfully defended against a simulated mass UAV incursion, underscoring their battlefield relevance.

ROSOBORONEXPORT is also spotlighting its suite of electronic warfare assets designed to disrupt UAV operations and nullify satellite-guided munitions, reflecting an increasing emphasis on non-kinetic defence tools in modern hybrid warfare.

Highlighted platforms include the Kub-E loitering munition, alongside the Orlan-10E and Scat-350M UAVs—tailored for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in both military and special police operations.

The maritime segment of LIMA 2025 will feature the Project 22160 offshore patrol vessel and the Project 12701 Alexandrit-E mine countermeasure ship, both of which Russia is proposing to co-build with regional partners including Malaysia.

Local shipbuilding facilities could be utilized for the assembly of these vessels, serving the needs of navies, coast guards, and maritime enforcement agencies, as well as fulfilling export orders to third countries.

Russia’s growing capabilities in unmanned maritime systems will also be on display, represented by the Klavesin-1RE autonomous underwater vehicle, designed for deep-sea reconnaissance and underwater mine detection.

Throughout the event, the ROSOBORONEXPORT delegation will hold strategic meetings with defence ministry officials, security agencies, and industry stakeholders across the ASEAN region to explore opportunities for long-term defence-industrial collaboration.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA