Rusia asegura primeros contratos de exportación del Su-57 Felon, su caza de quinta generación

Russia has announced the conclusion of the first export contracts for its most advanced fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-57, a fifth-generation aircraft designed for advanced combat missions. Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport, confirmed the news during the Zhuhai Airshow in China, although he did not disclose details about the buyers or delivery timelines.

The Su-57, developed under the PAK FA program initiated in 1999, conducted its maiden flight in 2010 with the T-50 prototype. This fifth-generation fighter jet combines advanced technologies such as stealth, supermaneuverability, and supercruise, positioning itself as a direct competitor to the American F-22 and F-35. After several technical challenges and delays, deliveries to the Russian Aerospace Forces began in 2020, cementing its role as a key asset in Russia’s air defense.Despite progress in exports, experts like Ruslan Pukhov from the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies highlight that Western sanctions, imposed after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, limit the markets for the Su-57. Potential buyers must have political independence from the West and economic stability, as this aircraft represents a significant investment.

According to our partner outlet Aeroin, possible interested parties include Algeria, which already operates an extensive fleet of Russian aircraft, including the Su-30MKA and MiG-29M. Iran is also mentioned, although prolonged negotiations over other models like the Su-35 might reflect Russia’s reluctance to provide its most advanced technologies.

International debut in China

During the Zhuhai Airshow, the Su-57E, the export version of the fighter, participated in demonstration flights and was showcased in a static display, though with a prototype rather than a production model. This event marked its international debut and underscores Russia’s efforts to position the aircraft in the global market.