RuAviation

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered the first two series-production Su-57E fighters, the export variant of its 5th-generation aircraft, to an undisclosed foreign customer. The announcement was made on November 17 by UAC CEO Vadim Badeha during an interview at the Dubai Airshow 2025.

This delivery establishes the Russian Federation as the second country in the world, after the United States, to export a 5th-generation combat aircraft. According to the UAC chief, the aircraft have already entered operational service, with the customer expressing satisfaction with their performance and quality.

While the launch customer has not been officially named, Algeria is widely speculated to be the recipient. Reports from specialized Algerian and Russian defense media suggest a contract for 14 Su-57E fighters was signed in 2021. The alleged delivery schedule includes six aircraft in 2025, another six in 2026, and the final two in 2027. As a long-standing Russian defense partner operating advanced Su-30MKA fighters and Su-34 frontline bombers, Algeria is the most logical initial customer, possessing both the financial resources and a doctrinal need to modernize its air force.

The Su-57E, known by its NATO reporting name “Felon,” is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an advanced electro-optical targeting system, and an intelligent weapons control suite. Key specifications include:

• Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 35,000 kg (77,160 lbs)
• Maximum Speed: Mach 2.45 (approx. 2,600 km/h or 1,615 mph)
• Service Ceiling: 20,000 m (65,600 ft)
• Combat Radius: 1,500 km (932 miles)
• The aircraft’s armament includes a mix of air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, guided bombs, and an internal 30mm cannon.

The commencement of Su-57E deliveries opens new market opportunities for UAC, with India being a primary target. At the Aero India 2025 exposition, Russia presented New Delhi with a renewed proposal for co-development of a 5th-generation fighter. This offer emphasizes deep production localization under the “Make in India” program, mirroring the successful Su-30MKI project. The initiative allows for a flexible approach, including the integration of Indian-made systems and joint platform modifications. For India, it represents a critical opportunity to access 5th-generation technology to counter China’s J-20 fleet, while for Russia, it solidifies a strategic partnership.

Analysis of Potential Operators

Operating a 5th-generation fighter like the Su-57 requires significant military, political, doctrinal, and infrastructural alignment. Beyond Algeria and India, the circle of potential operators is limited but includes several nations with a history of defense cooperation with Russia.

• Vietnam: In Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a strong potential candidate. The Vietnam People’s Air Force has long operated the Su-27/30 family and faces a growing need for a qualitative upgrade to counter China’s expanding military power, which includes the J-20 fighter. For Hanoi, acquiring the Su-57E would be a strategic move to maintain regional parity.
• Kazakhstan: As a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and an operator of modern Su-30SM fighters, Kazakhstan is a logical candidate. The country may view the Su-57E as the next step in modernizing its tactical aviation fleet.
• Middle East: The situation here is more complex. Egypt, despite acquiring Su-35 fighters, faced intense US pressure (under CAATSA) and ultimately appears to have canceled the deal, making a politically sensitive Su-57E acquisition unfeasible. Iran, following the lifting of the UN arms embargo and its order for Su-35s, could be a future candidate. For Tehran, the Su-57E would provide a significant boost to its air force capabilities amid tensions with Israel.
• Turkey: As a NATO member, Turkey is a special case. Its exclusion from the F-35 program after acquiring the Russian S-400 air defense system, combined with its own KAAN indigenous fighter project, makes an Su-57E purchase highly unlikely. However, it cannot be entirely ruled out should Ankara’s divergence from its Western partners continue.

For all these nations, the Su-57E offers access to 5th-generation aviation technology outside the F-35 program. Final contracts will depend on Russia’s willingness to offer flexible financing, the production rate of the aircraft, and evolving dynamics in the global arms market.

Conclusion

The first Su-57E delivery is both a technological and a geopolitical milestone. It demonstrates the Russian defense-industrial complex’s ability to produce and deliver advanced aviation systems despite international sanctions. The aircraft’s future export success will hinge on UAC’s capacity to simultaneously fulfill domestic and foreign orders, as well as the political will and financial capabilities of prospective buyers, among whom India remains the most significant long-term prospect.

In his remarks, UAC CEO Vadim Badeha stated that current market conditions, shaped by the combat performance of Russian hardware, are creating a foundation for export growth. He noted that international customers are showing concrete interest in acquiring systems whose competitive advantages have been proven against contemporary Western military technology. In this environment, UAC’s primary task is to meet this emerging demand.