Rosoboronexport claims first export order for Sukhoi Su-57E fighter
November 18, 2024
The state news agency Interfax reported on 13 November that Alexander Mikheev had made the announcement during Airshow China at Zhuhai, where he also reportedly told journalists that: “We already have signed the first contracts for the [sale of] Su-57 aircraft.” He declined to name the customer, or to discuss any planned delivery schedule.
The Su-57 was making its airshow debut outside the Russian Federation at Zhuhai, where it was shown in the aircraft static park and in the flying display programme. The aircraft at Zhuhai was actually the fourth T-50 prototype, though it was described in some circles as the Su-57E export version.
The Su-57 (which Rosoboronexport is marketing as the Perspective (SiC) multirole fighter or PMF) is a supposedly ‘fifth generation’ fighter aircraft designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and developed and manufactured by PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (part of the Rostec State Corporation). The aircraft lacks the Low Observable (stealth) characteristics and advanced avionics of Western fifth generation fighters, but enjoys excellent performance and handling characteristics, which were shown to advantage in the Zhuhai flying display.
The Su-57E export version has a different IFF system, and the flight instrument software is adjusted to display readings in Imperial units, while the cockpit is labelled in English. Non-Russian weapons can also be integrated if requested. The war in Ukraine and the consequent sanctions have slowed development and production, and export models of the fighter are unlikely to be available before the end of the decade.
Mikheev was bullish about the aircraft’s export prospects, saying that: “Our partners, friendly countries, want to buy reliable, proven Russian weapons,” adding that several countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa were planning to “adopt” the Su-57.
In November 2023 the Russian news agency TASS reported that Moscow had offered to localize production in countries showing interest in the Su-57, including India and the UAE.
The first T-50 prototype first flew in 2010, but progress has been slow. Deliveries of series production aircraft to the Russian Aerospace Forces only began in 2022, and only about 18 have been delivered. The Russian military has ordered 76 aircraft (or 78 according to some sources) including two pre-series aircraft, but not including the ten or so flying prototypes.
Because of the Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, few customers are likely to buy the aircraft in the near term. Obvious exceptions are Iran, though there has been speculation that the launch customer could be Algeria, whose air force already operates about 60 Sukhoi Su-30MKA two-seat combat aircraft and a number of other Russian-made fighters, jet trainers and transport and attack helicopters.
