In a move shrouded in secrecy, Russia has begun delivering its most sophisticated fifth-generation fighter, the Su-57, to an international buyer whose identity has not been revealed. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) confirmed that two of these formidable aircraft have been formally handed over and are now fully operational.
According to UAC’s CEO, Vadim Badekha, the two Su-57 jets are in service with a foreign partner, who has expressed contentment with the aircraft’s capabilities. This marks a significant step in Russia’s military export program.
While Rosoboronexport, Russia’s official state arms exporter, announced the finalization of an Su-57 contract in November 2024, the specific country involved has remained classified. This confidentiality surrounding the deal has fueled considerable international interest.
Defense analysts are actively discussing potential buyers, with Algeria frequently cited as a strong candidate. This speculation is partly based on reports from Algerian state media that pilots from the nation were undergoing Su-57 flight training in Russia earlier this year.
The Su-57 is the apex of Russia’s fighter jet development, boasting advanced stealth technology. It competes in a highly exclusive global market dominated by the US (F-35, F-22) and China (J-20, J-35) for serial production of fifth-generation aircraft.
The export variant, the Su-57E, is equipped with tailored avionics, electronics, and software suited for overseas operators. The successful delivery of these jets signals Russia’s continued capacity to produce advanced military hardware, irrespective of current global circumstances.
International observers are contemplating whether Russia is drawing from current production or utilizing existing aircraft to fulfill this foreign order. The Su-57’s combination of stealth features, advanced digital architecture, and multi-mission flexibility makes it a subject of intense scrutiny, especially given the current geopolitical climate. This initial export achievement is thus a key point of observation for global defense strategists.