Russia’s Su-57 fighter struggles to find buyers despite years of marketing

Defense Express reports.

The Su-57 fighter jet, labeled as "fifth-generation" only in Russia, has struggled to secure foreign buyers since 2008.

Recently, Rosoboronexport's head, Alexander Mikheev, announced new export contracts for the Su-57, raising questions given Russia’s diminishing defense export market and its ongoing difficulties selling the jet. Notably, the news was delivered without fanfare, hinting it may be an attempt to overstate the reality.

Russia first attempted a Su-57 export in 2008 with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, aiming to co-develop the FGFA, an adapted Su-57 variant. However, India withdrew in 2018, criticizing the jet’s stealth capabilities and overall design. In 2024, India committed to developing its own fifth-generation fighter.

Russia has sought other buyers for the Su-57, including Turkey, Vietnam, and the UAE, but none have made purchases. Algeria was rumored to have ordered 14 jets in 2020, yet no official confirmation has emerged, and Algeria may now be considering the Su-35 instead.

Iran and North Korea remain likely prospects. Iran, already acquiring Su-35s, could consider the Su-57 to update its fleet with Russian support. In September 2023, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the Su-57 at a Russian plant, suggesting potential interest, especially with North Korean pilots training in Russia.