Russia’s 5th-gen Su-57 fighter jet gets first foreign buyer; not Pakistan, China, the country is…, India also…

The news comes amid Russia offering to make the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet in India for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Amid reports of Russia offering to make the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet in India, the advanced 5th-generation combat aircraft has reportedly found its first foreign buyer, and delivery will likely begin by the end of 2025. According to Rosoboronexport — a state-owned firm intermediary agency that controls Russia’s defense exports/imports–  said the deal is a major milestone in Moscow’s efforts to expand the Su-57 fighter jet’s presence in the international arms market.

Delivery to begin soon

Speaking to Interfax news agency, Rosoboronexport Director, Alexander Mikheev said Russia will begin the delivery of the Su-57 multirole fifth-generation fighter jet by the end of this year.

Notably, news about Russia bagging export contracts for the Su-57E, the export variant of the Su-57 stealth fighter, emerged in November last year, following which the warplane made its international debut at China’s Zhuhai Airshow, where it impressed potential buyers and defence observers with its advanced next-gen capabilities.

The Russian fighter jet has garnered global attention for its stealth features, advanced avionics and multipurpose capabilities, however, the Moscow has kept the jet’s buyer a secret with Rosoboronexport citing citing unfair competition from Western powers as the the reason for this secrecy.

The agency noted that political, diplomatic and economic pressure is imposed on countries that choose to purchase Russian military equipment.

Su-57’s first foreign buyer

Based on available information, experts have speculated that Algeria, which had first expressed interest in the 5th-gen combat plane in 2019, is likely the first buyer of the Russia’s Su-57 fighter jet. According to analysts, Algeria, has had a long-standing military and defence ties with Russia, and has previously purchased military equipment, including the Su-30 and MiG-29 fighter, as well as the S-400 air defense system, from Moscow.

The historical military cooperation between the two countries makes Algeria the top candidate to acquire the Su-57 fighter jet, especially at a time when the North African nation is actively modernizing its air force to maintain a strategic edge in the region.

Russia offers to make Su-57 in India

The news comes amid Russia offering to make the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jet in India for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Quoting a Russian industry source and an Indian official, a Reuters report said an informal offer had been made by Russia in talks with officials of the Indian government and state-owned defense manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

Talking to reporters on the sidelines on the Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, a Rosoboronexport spokesperson said making the Su-57 aircraft in India, with a full transfer of technology, will ensure that production and maintenance will not be affected by Western sanctions on Russia, adding that the jet could be produced with enhancements to the Indian production line of the Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft, 260 of which are in the IAF’s fleet.

Both the Su-57 and rival Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II, a fifth generation stealth fighter jet of the U.S., were on display at the Aero India exhibition.

(With inputs from agencies)