Russia’s cutting-edge stealth fighter, the Su-57 Felon, has made headlines again. For the first time, Russia has signed a contract to export the fifth-generation aircraft, but the buyer’s identity is being kept secret, sparking a wave of speculation and intrigue.
The news broke on November 13 when Alexander Mikheev, head of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter, revealed the contract in an interview with Russian TV channel “Russia-1.” Mikheev didn’t spill the beans on who the buyer is, but he confirmed the deal, saying, “We’ve already signed contracts for this aircraft.”
This mysterious announcement has set the military world abuzz. Social media users and experts are divided—some believe this signals a major breakthrough for Russia’s military exports, while others think it could be mere propaganda.
Why Now?
The announcement coincides with the Su-57’s participation in China’s prestigious Zhuhai Air Show, a biennial event that runs from November 12 to 17. The export version of the jet, the Su-57E, made its debut in China, wowing spectators with its impressive aerobatics. However, it’s unusual for such a big announcement to come mid-event, suggesting the deal may have been sealed long before the show started.
Who Could the Buyer Be?
In 2021, Mikheev hinted that five countries had shown interest in the Su-57. At the time, speculation centered on nations like India, Algeria, Vietnam, and Turkey. Now, military analysts are betting on Algeria as the first buyer, citing unconfirmed reports that the North African nation has signed a deal. If true, this would be a game-changer for the region, shifting the balance of power and boosting Algeria’s influence.
What’s the Big Deal About the Su-57?
The Su-57 is no ordinary aircraft. Developed by Sukhoi under the United Aircraft Corporation, it’s Russia’s answer to the American F-22 and F-35. The Su-57 is designed to excel in stealth, speed, and versatility, making it one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
But it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the Felon. The jet first flew in 2010 but only entered service in 2020. Production has been slow—just under 40 jets are currently in operation—and Western sanctions have made things even harder.
Despite these setbacks, the Su-57 is considered a formidable machine. Russia claims it has successfully used the jet in Ukraine, though only in limited roles like air defense patrols and long-range missile strikes. Critics argue this cautious deployment shows a lack of confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities.
Challenges Ahead
Russia’s military industry has been struggling to ramp up production. In 2024, the goal was to deliver 24 Su-57s, but experts believe this target won’t be met. This slow pace, combined with doubts about the jet’s performance, has made it tough to attract foreign buyers—until now.
A Strategic Move?
Russia has been using platforms like the Zhuhai Air Show to market the Su-57 to potential buyers. Sergey Chemezov, the head of Russia’s Rostec corporation, boasted about the aircraft’s success against Western air defense systems, aiming to solidify its reputation in the global market.
But with Western sanctions, production delays, and ongoing skepticism about its stealth capabilities, the Su-57 faces an uphill battle to become a global bestseller.
Why It Matters
The Su-57’s first export deal is a major milestone for Russia. It signals that despite economic and geopolitical challenges, the country remains a player in the high-stakes world of military aviation.
As the mystery buyer remains unnamed, the world watches closely. Whether this is the start of the Su-57’s rise or just a one-off deal, it has already stirred global interest and reshaped discussions about the future of air combat.
Who do you think bought the Su-57? Could this deal mark the beginning of a new era in military aviation? One thing’s for sure—the Su-57 is a jet the world won’t stop talking about anytime soon.
