Russia has secured its first international buyer for the Su-57 fighter jet

Russia’s Su-57 Felon stealth fighter, touted by Moscow as a fifth-generation combat aircraft, is expected to be delivered to its inaugural foreign customer in 2025, as reported by Defense Express.

This announcement was made by Alexander Mikheev, the head of Rosoboronexport, during the Aero India 2025 defense exhibition, where the Su-57 was presented to an international audience.

While Russia claims to have secured an export agreement, the identity of the purchasing nation has not been revealed. This lack of clarity has led to speculation, particularly since Moscow first indicated foreign contracts for the Su-57 in November 2024. At that time, Mikheev mentioned that several agreements had been finalized, although Defense Express points out that Rosoboronexport often conflates definitive contracts with preliminary arrangements.

The report notes, “The commitment to deliver the first aircraft by 2025 implies that a solid contract is in place.” However, the ongoing silence regarding the buyer is unusual, both from Russia and the nation that has agreed to the purchase.

The potential list of buyers is limited. Algeria is frequently cited as a likely candidate due to its long-standing relationship with Russian military suppliers, which includes fighter jets, air defense systems, and Iskander short-range ballistic missiles. Interest from Algeria in acquiring 14 Su-57s has been reported since 2020, yet no definitive evidence of a signed contract has surfaced.

Potential customers also include Iran, which has reportedly chosen to acquire Su-35 fighters instead, and North Korea, which has recently strengthened its military relationship with Moscow. Notably, in 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a personal visit to the Su-57 production facility, leading to speculation regarding possible future purchases.

If this deal is confirmed, it would represent a significant achievement for Russia’s beleaguered defense sector, which has been grappling with increasing difficulties due to Western sanctions and supply chain issues. Nevertheless, doubts persist regarding the Su-57’s operational effectiveness. Although it is categorized as a fifth-generation fighter, the aircraft has experienced limited deployment and production setbacks, with its combat performance remaining largely untested.

Moreover, prospective buyers must weigh the long-term challenges associated with maintaining a Su-57 fleet, especially in light of Russia’s ongoing struggles with the mass production of advanced avionics and stealth materials. The historical lack of an after-sales support network for high-end Russian aircraft has often deterred potential clients.

While Rosoboronexport expresses confidence in its ability to secure additional export agreements, the absence of specific information regarding this initial sale raises concerns about the fighter jet’s market viability.