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Russia's Su-57E Fighter : Redefining Global Arms Trade.
In mid-March 2025, Russia reached a key milestone in the global arms market with the production of the Su-57E, the export variant of its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter, according to the Russian news agency TASS. This development represents a strategic move for Moscow as it seeks to strengthen its position against Western air dominance and expand its influence in international arms trade. Algeria has officially confirmed its acquisition of the Su-57E, making it the first foreign customer of the aircraft. This purchase establishes the Su-57E in the international fighter jet market and marks a new phase for Russian aerospace exports.
Su-57 is designed with strategic ambitions to challenge Western air superiority (Picture source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin)
The Su-57E is designed with a set of features intended for modern air combat. Its stealth design and thrust-vectoring engines provide a high level of agility, allowing for advanced maneuverability in close air engagements. It is powered by two AL-41F1 turbofan engines equipped with afterburners and thrust-vectoring nozzles, generating 149 kN of thrust. This enables the aircraft to reach a maximum speed of 2,600 km/h (approximately Mach 2.45) and an operational ceiling of 20,000 meters. In the future, the fighter could be equipped with the Izdeliye 30 engine, which is expected to enhance thrust and fuel efficiency. Its climb rate of 21,000 meters per minute enables it to intercept high-altitude targets rapidly.
The aircraft is fitted with the Sh121 Byelka Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which improves target detection and situational awareness compared to older systems like the Irbis-E radar used on the Su-35BM. While the AI-assisted avionics integrated into the Russian Air Force version of the Su-57 have not been officially confirmed for the export variant, it is likely that the Su-57E includes advanced pilot assistance systems to optimize combat performance. The fighter can carry a range of next-generation weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, the Kh-69 stealth cruise missile, and air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions such as the R-77 and Kh-31 missiles. These capabilities, combined with low radar visibility, enable the Su-57E to conduct deep-strike operations in contested airspace.
There are notable differences between the Su-57E and the version operated by the Russian Air Force. These primarily concern cost, performance specifications, materials, and available weapon systems. The Su-57E is expected to be offered at a lower price, with modifications tailored to the needs of international buyers. The export version may also incorporate different materials to manage production costs while maintaining operational effectiveness. Additionally, the range of available weaponry could be adjusted to comply with export regulations and specific customer requirements. These adaptations aim to position the Su-57E as a competitive option on the global fighter jet market while maintaining a balance between capability and affordability.
Several countries may express interest in acquiring the Su-57E, particularly those looking to diversify their fleets and reduce reliance on Western manufacturers. However, concerns have been raised about whether exporting the Su-57E could impact Russia’s ability to meet its own air force requirements, given that the Su-57 remains in limited service. The director of the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aviation plant, Alexander Pekarsh, has stated that the facility is fully capable of meeting both domestic and international demand. Ongoing modernization efforts ensure sufficient production capacity to fulfill commitments without disrupting supply to the Russian Air Force.
The introduction of an export variant of the Su-57 offers Russia several strategic advantages. Economically, arms sales provide a significant source of revenue, reinforcing its presence in the global defense market. Geopolitically, the Su-57E’s adoption by foreign operators strengthens Russia’s military and industrial influence while offering an alternative to Western-designed fighter jets. As more potential buyers evaluate the aircraft, its export success could influence the competitive landscape of fifth-generation combat aircraft.