Russia is preparing to expand exports of the latest fifth-generation Su-57 fighters. Following the contract with Algeria, India has shown interest in the aircraft — the country is discussing the purchase of up to 140 aircraft. The export version of the Su-57E is already ready for delivery, according to the Technosphere Russia publication.
Su-57E: first deliveries — to Algeria
The production of the export version of the Su-57E has been discussed for several years. The aircraft was first shown at a foreign air show in China in 2024. At that time, Russian manufacturers noted that the export Su-57 is fully ready for foreign customers.
The Algerian Air Force was the first buyer, ordering 12 aircraft. It is expected that the African country will "show off" the new product immediately after arrival, because for its Air Force, the new Su-57 will be a real technological breakthrough.
The authors suggested that the delivery of the Su-57E will change the balance of power in the Mediterranean — "the French, who consider the region their sphere of influence, will be especially upset."
Serial deliveries for the Russian Aerospace Forces
According to data from open sources, the Russian army currently has 42–44 serial Su-57s, not counting a dozen prototypes. The official contract with the Ministry of Defense for 76 aircraft is valid until 2028.
The foreign press also reports on the Su-57M version with second-stage engines — AL-51F1 ("product 30"). These machines were allegedly being prepared for mass production at the end of 2023, but officially the supply of such aircraft has not yet been confirmed.
India is maturing for a deal
In the fall of 2025, the Indian military began to actively discuss the purchase of a large number of Su-57Es. American media, citing Indian sources, note that Delhi is ready to consider an order for up to 140 aircraft.
The reasons are simple: the Su-30MKI fleet is becoming obsolete over time, and the French Rafale, as it turned out, are "quite average" and are only suitable for replacing part of the MiG-29. The Indian program to create its own fifth-generation fighter has also been delayed. An example is the Tejas project, which has been stalling for more than 15 years.
Export potential
The authors note that the export prospects of the Su-57E are very serious. First of all — among countries operating aircraft of the Su-27 and Su-30 families. In general, we can talk about "several hundred machines".
In addition, interest is growing from countries that are not oriented towards the USA and the EU, but "this is already big politics".
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