The first two Su-57 stealth fighters have been received by a foreign customer. They have begun combat missions and are demonstrating their best qualities. The customer is very satisfied", Vadim Badekha, general director of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), announced on 18/11.

UAC leadership did not disclose information about the country purchasing the Su-57 fighters. Algerian media reported earlier this year that the country was the first foreign customer to order the Su-57 series, but did not specify the quantity. These developments were discussed amidst the Dubai Airshow in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where Russian defense officials highlighted the aircraft's global market position.

Sergey Chemezov, general director of Russia’s Rostec defense corporation, affirmed that the Su-57 offers investment cost advantages and comparable quality to the US F-35 stealth fighter. He emphasized that Russia's goal is not to completely replace the F-35 with the Su-57, but rather to offer an alternative based on customer preference.

"It is a matter of preference; if someone wants the F-35, they can purchase that fighter model. We have fighters with their own quality and achievements. Some customers prefer Russian aircraft, while others prefer US products," Chemezov stated on 19/11 at the Dubai Airshow. He also highlighted the continuous improvement of the Su-57 since the Ukraine conflict began, based on feedback from pilots on combat missions. "Foreign customers have high demand for Russian military equipment. They understand that we constantly improve our products based on experience gained in real combat," the Rostec leader added.

The Su-57 is Russia’s 5th-generation multirole fighter, designed to destroy all types of targets in the air, on land, and at sea. The aircraft is coated with radar-absorbing material and features a design optimized for stealth against electronic reconnaissance equipment. Each aircraft can carry a total of six weapons internally: four in two ventral bays and two missiles in two side bays.

A Su-57 prototype performs at the Dubai Airshow on 17/11. *Photo: AFP*

This fighter model can compete with the US F-22, F-35, and China’s J-20. Mass production began in 2022, and Russia’s Ministry of Defense has received over half of the 76 ordered aircraft. Russia previously deployed the Su-57 to Syria twice, in late 2018 and December 2019, for real-world combat testing. Su-57 fighters began participating in the Ukraine conflict about two to three weeks after it erupted. The Russian Air Force also tested various air-to-ground weapons developed specifically for this stealth fighter, including the Kh-69 tactical cruise missile, which Ukrainian media described as "more formidable than the Kinzhal hypersonic missile."

Nguyen Tien (According to RIA Novosti, AFP, War Zone)