Russia's Su-57 Felon Stealth Fighter Is For Sale

Summary and What You Need to Know: At the inaugural Egypt International Airshow, China outshined Russia, whose presence was led by Rosoboronexport. Despite Western sanctions, Russia promoted its Sukhoi Su-57E, the export version of the fifth-generation fighter, although no actual Su-57 was displayed.

-The Su-57E, targeted at nations unable to acquire the F-35, was offered to regional partners. Moscow's efforts aim to offset the high R&D costs of the Su-57.

-Meanwhile, the Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter was notably absent, further indicating its potential failure.

-Russia also promoted air defense systems like the Pantsir-S1M and UAVs to strengthen ties with Africa and the Middle East.

Russia Seeks Buyers for Su-57E at Egypt Airshow Amid Competition from China

China's larger-than-expected presence at last week's inaugural Egypt International Airshow overshadowed the Russian presence by most accounts; although Rosoboronexport did use the event to tout its much-hyped Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name Felon). Western sanctions remain in place, yet, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Rosoboronexport presented an export model of the fifth-generation fighter – or at least a scale version.

Based on photos shared on social media, it appears that an actual Su-57E, the export version, wasn't on display nor were there reports of any aerial presentations with the Felon. However, the Su-57E export variant was still offered to Russia's regional partners, while UAC sought to entice other nations that have been unable to purchase the American-made F-35 Lightning II.

According to a report from the French-based Zona-Militar, the Russian arms exporter also presented the Pantsir-S1M and Tor-M2E air defense systems, as well as the Orlan series of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) including the Orlan-10E and Orlan-30.

"Rosoboronexport accepted with great gratitude the Egyptian invitation to participate in the Egypt International Airshow," said Alexander Mikheev, CEO of the Russian state agency. "Our presence here will help strengthen technical-military cooperation between Russia and Egypt, as well as further develop relations with countries in Africa and the Middle East, whose combined share in the company's order books exceeds 50%. I am confident that the airshow has a bright future. We are ready to become permanent participants."

Finding Buyers for the Su-57

This isn't the first time that Rosoboronexport has sought to court foreign buyers for the Su-57. Moscow has claimed to have received requests from potential client states including Algeria, India, Malaysia, and Turkey, although sales have yet to materialize. Algeria has been rumored to operate one Su-57 but that hasn't been confirmed.

The Su-57E made its debut at the Aero India Show in Bangalore in 2023, and it reportedly is equipped with Russia's most advanced avionics. Other details surrounding the new prototype remain sparse, and production and sale of these fighters are very unlikely – at least in the near future. Currently, Russia hardly possesses its own full fleet of Felon fighters.

Yet, the attempt to court foreign investors could be to offset some of the high research and development (R&D) costs of the Su-57 and to help subsidize the production.

No Mention of the Su-75 Checkmate

Notably missing at the Egypt International Airshow was the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate, UAC's bargain-bunker stealth fighter – or perhaps its stealth was just so good it just wasn't spotted. The aircraft had been a no-show at last month's Army 2024 show outside of Moscow.

This could be the final proof needed that the program won't advance beyond the vaporware stage.

It now appears that even as Russia has run out of moves with the Su-75, it seems that UAC is still trying to line up buyers for the Su-57.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

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