Export prospects for the Su-57E fighter
A Su-57E preparing for a flight to the UAE.
Currently Russian aviation The industry is conducting full-scale serial production of the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet for the Russian Aerospace Forces. At the same time, the company is seeking foreign customers who are interested in purchasing this aircraft. To this end, various promotional materials and the aircraft themselves are being displayed at Russian and international exhibitions. Another such display will take place soon.
Fighter at exhibitions
The first public display of the Su-57 took place in 2011 at the Russian aerospace show MAKS in Zhukovsky. Subsequently, prototypes of the fighter regularly appeared at these exhibitions, and for a while, they could even be seen in an open display area accessible to all visitors.
Meanwhile, international venues and air shows had to wait quite a long time for the Russian newcomer. The Su-57's first international display took place only last year. At Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, China, the export-spec Su-57E fighter was unveiled. Predictably, the aircraft attracted considerable attention.
Just a few months later, in February 2025, the Russian Su-57E departed for India. It became one of the most interesting exhibits at the Aero India exhibition. As before, the aircraft was displayed on the ground and in the air. Interestingly, one of the Su-57E's main competitors, the American F-35 fighter, was also present at the show.
Several days ago, it was announced that preparations were underway for a new international display of the Su-57E. The export fighter will now be an exhibit at the Dubai Airshow 2025, which opens in the United Arab Emirates on November 17. The aircraft will be on display both on the display stand and in the air. An updated flight program is also reportedly being prepared.
The United Aircraft Corporation and Rosoboronexport, which are organizing this display of domestically produced equipment, also published an interesting video. It shows the aircraft being prepared for the upcoming exhibition, including flights, maneuvers, and more. The footage also captured some interesting details about the fighter's design.
On November 11, the export-spec fighter jet, tail number "509," arrived in Dubai. In the coming days, Russian specialists, working with local organizers, will make the necessary preparations for the exhibition. Visitors to the show will be able to see the Su-57E in person as early as next Monday.
It's clear that there will be other international exhibitions after Dubai Airshow 2025. UAC and Rosoboronexport will continue to showcase the advanced fighter to potential customers at any available venue. The aircraft will continue to attract the attention of exhibition attendees and become a topic of discussion.
However, the main goal of such demonstrations is not to stimulate debate, but to secure orders. Potential buyers will be able to get a closer look at the Su-57E, which will facilitate sound decision-making. Negotiations on future contracts could begin at any time.
Export history
It's worth noting that the promising Russian fighter attracted the interest of foreign customers long before its appearance at exhibitions and even before flight testing began. However, for a number of reasons, the plans at that time were not realized.
India could have been the first foreign buyer of the "Prospective Aircraft Complex of Frontline Aviation." In 2008, Russia's UAC and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a contract for the joint development of a PAK FA modification designated FGFA (Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft). Under the agreement, Russia would develop the aircraft's primary components, while India would develop the onboard electronics suite.
Various studies on the FGFA project continued for several years, but their pace remained slow and the results were limited. Finally, in 2018, India abandoned further cooperation. The justification for this decision was that the aircraft being developed and its equipment did not meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force.
However, as early as 2019, information emerged about the signing of a full-fledged export contract. According to foreign media reports, Algeria was the first buyer of the Su-57E. The quantity and cost of the ordered aircraft were not disclosed.
This information was officially confirmed only in February 2025. The first batch of six fighters is expected by the end of the year. The cost of the equipment remains unknown. A new contract for the construction and delivery of a second batch of aircraft may be signed later. No such agreement has yet been announced.
Rosoboronexport and UAC continue to promote the latest aircraft on the international market. To this end, they are organizing new demonstrations at international exhibitions, including a display on the aircraft's ramp and a flight program. There is every reason to believe that these measures will soon yield the desired result in the form of a second export contract.
Demonstration of the internal cargo compartment and combat load
Potential customers
Various foreign countries from various regions could be considered potential export customers for the Su-57E. They should be interested in the distinctive features and advantages of Russian aircraft. However, promoting our aircraft on the market may face certain challenges.
The Su-57E should be of interest to countries seeking to radically modernize their air forces and acquire the capabilities characteristic of the latest generation of fighters. The Russian aircraft meets all generally accepted criteria for fifth-generation aircraft, which should attract the attention of customers.
At the same time, the Su-57E boasts optimal economic characteristics. It is cheaper to produce and operate than its main foreign competitors. This significantly expands the range of potential customers and also provides a significant competitive advantage.
It's worth noting that a new negative factor has emerged in recent years that could impact the aircraft's export success. Not all potential customers are able or willing to purchase Russian military equipment due to foreign sanctions. Some may seek workarounds, but others will simply reject the lucrative offer of the Su-57E.
The first export order was received from Algeria. Its military is actively purchasing Russian weapons and equipment, and the contract for the Su-57E marks another step in this direction. Despite the ongoing challenges, the Algerian Air Force has not abandoned the previously signed contract. It is possible they will now acquire a second batch of fighters.
Su-57E in Dubai
It's possible that India will once again show interest in the Su-57 export in the current situation. It previously abandoned the joint FGFA project, but subsequently failed to find viable alternatives. A return to cooperation with Russia appears a perfectly acceptable solution.
Interest from the UAE was previously reported, but no contract has been signed yet. Russian aircraft could also attract the attention of other Middle Eastern countries. Displaying the Su-57E at the upcoming Dubai exhibition will help promote it in the region. Furthermore, specialists from other regions will attend the UAE show, which could also yield the desired results.
Great promise
Russian combat aircraft have traditionally enjoyed demand on the international arms and equipment market. Several types of fighter jets are purchased by various countries, helping to upgrade existing fleets by providing them with the required combat capabilities. Several years ago, the list of Russian-made export aircraft available for order was expanded with the latest Su-57E.
To date, only one contract for the export version of the Su-57 has been signed. However, all necessary measures are being taken to promote this aircraft on the market and secure new orders. It is quite possible that the upcoming exhibition in Dubai will contribute to this achievement.
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