The first overseas customer for the fifth-generation fighter jet Su-57E is set to commence operation of the aircraft in 2025. This was announced by a representative of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) of Russia at the MILEX 2025 exhibition in Minsk.
The Su-57E is the export version of the multi-role fighter Su-57, which has demonstrated its effectiveness against Western air defence systems in real combat conditions. The aircraft is equipped with an active phased array radar (AESA), an electro-optical detection complex, and a weapon management system with elements of artificial intelligence. Its maximum take-off weight is 35,000 kg (about 77,161 lbs), maximum speed is 2,600 km/h (1,615 mph), practical ceiling is 20,000 m (65,617 ft), and combat radius is 1,500 km (932 miles). The Su-57E can carry air-to-air and air-to-ground guided missiles, precision-guided bombs, and is armed with a 30 mm cannon.
In 2024, Rosoboronexport announced the signing of its first foreign contracts for the supply of the Su-57E. The company’s head, Alexander Mikheev, noted that Russia’s military-technical cooperation strategy involves bringing new weapons systems to the international market. Deputy Director of FSVTS, Mikhail Babich, confirmed negotiations with both traditional and potential customers, including countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North Africa.
According to Algerian sources, the Algerian Air Force became the first foreign customer for the Russian fifth-generation aircraft, with a contract for 14 fighters reportedly signed in 2021. The first six aircraft will be delivered in 2025, another six in 2026, and the remaining two in 2027. The export version configuration of the Su-57E for Algeria may differ from the Russian serial models. It is expected to be equipped with engines of the first stage, with the possibility of upgrading to the “Product 30” engines. The onboard electronic system complex and low radar visibility features may be adapted to export restrictions and the customer’s requirements.
The appearance of the Su-57E in the Algerian Air Force will alter the regional power balance. Algeria will become the second country south of the Mediterranean Sea to operate fifth-generation fighters, after Israel. The Su-57E will be integrated with the Su-30MKA (SM2 variant) fleet, allowing for a layered air combat system and increased resilience against modern threats. Even in its basic configuration, the Su-57E can compete with the Rafale F3R, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16V, and F-35, which are already in service with several regional nations.
The increased production rate of the Su-57 (up to 12 aircraft annually from 2023) has enabled Russia to begin fulfilling export contracts without reducing supply volumes for its own Aerospace Forces (VKS). Since 2022, UAC (United Aircraft Corporation) has not disclosed data on the number of combat aircraft transferred to the Russian VKS. Currently, experts estimate the number of Su-57s in service at around 30 aircraft.
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