The Russian fifth-generation Su-57E fighter will be the centerpiece of the aviation exposition at the LIMA 2025 international exhibition in Malaysia, according to analysts at The Military Watch Magazine. This is part of Rosoboronexport's strategy to promote the aircraft in Southeast Asia, where Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia are seen as potential buyers.
Rosoboronexport previously brought the Su-57 to the Aero India aviation exhibition in February, after which it was confirmed that a major deal for the licensed production of fighters to equip the Indian Air Force was being considered.
Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia have long been considered the main potential customers for the Su-57 — the only fifth-generation fighter that is produced outside of China and the United States.
The Su-57E may face competition from only two fighters:
- F-35: Excels in integration with NATO-compatible systems.
- J-20: Cheaper, but less proven in operation.
It is known that the United States imposes many requirements on F-35 customers and seriously limits their independence in matters of further operation of the aircraft. Therefore, as in the case of India, the American fighter will not be a viable option for these countries.
Territorial disputes and other maritime frictions with China will also exclude Chinese fighters from consideration. This leaves the Su-57 virtually the only option in the near future for most Southeast Asian countries if they seek to acquire fifth-generation fighters.
Vietnam is considered the main potential customer for these aircraft. Currently, its fighter fleet consists entirely of Soviet and Russian aircraft, reflecting the dependence of its armed forces on Russian supplies.
Rosoboronexport's offer stands out favorably against the American and Chinese ones also because Russia can offer joint production of its fifth-generation fighters on the territory of the buyer country.
The success of the Su-57E in the region depends not only on technology but also on geopolitics. If Russia offers favorable terms (as in the case of India), the fighter has every chance of becoming the main choice for countries striving for technological independence.
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