Russia’s Su-57 Felon stealth fighter, which Moscow promotes as a fifth-generation combat aircraft, is set to be delivered to its first foreign customer in 2025, according to a report by Defense Express.
The announcement was made by Rosoboronexport chief Alexander Mikheev during the Aero India 2025 defense exhibition, where Russia showcased the Su-57 to international audiences.
Despite Russia’s claims of securing an export deal, the identity of the purchasing country remains undisclosed. The lack of transparency has fueled speculation, especially since Moscow first reported securing foreign contracts for the Su-57 in November 2024. At that time, Mikheev indicated that multiple deals had been signed, though Defense Express notes that Rosoboronexport often blurs the distinction between firm contracts and preliminary agreements.
“A commitment to delivering the first aircraft as early as 2025 suggests that a solid contract does exist,” the report states. “However, the continued silence regarding the buyer is unusual, both from Russia and from the country that agreed to purchase the aircraft.”
The potential list of buyers is relatively short. Algeria has been frequently mentioned as a candidate, given its longstanding history of purchasing Russian military equipment, including fighter jets, air defense systems, and Iskander short-range ballistic missiles. Reports of Algeria’s interest in acquiring 14 Su-57s date back to 2020, but no concrete evidence of a signed contract has emerged.
Other potential customers include Iran, which has reportedly opted for Su-35 fighters instead, and North Korea, which recently deepened its military ties with Moscow. Notably, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally visited the Su-57 production facility in 2023, sparking speculation about potential future acquisitions.
If confirmed, the deal would mark a significant milestone for Russia’s struggling defense industry, which has faced mounting challenges due to Western sanctions and supply chain constraints. However, skepticism remains over the Su-57’s real-world capabilities. Despite its classification as a fifth-generation fighter, the aircraft has seen limited deployment and production delays, and its performance in combat operations remains largely unproven.
Additionally, potential buyers must consider the long-term challenges of maintaining the Su-57 fleet, particularly given Russia’s ongoing difficulties in mass-producing advanced avionics and stealth coatings. The absence of an after-sales support network for high-end Russian aircraft has historically been a deterrent for many potential customers.
While Rosoboronexport remains confident in its ability to secure more export deals, the lack of details surrounding this first sale raises questions about the fighter jet’s viability on the global market.