Russia Bets on Exporting Su-57 Fighter Jets to Boost Arms Sales
Despite Western sanctions, Russia’s defense industry is still vying for foreign orders, and the country is now focusing on exporting its 5th generation Su-57 stealth fighter jets.
The Sukhoi Su-57 was designed and developed to replace older models and compete directly with Western fifth-generation fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. The aircraft is equipped with advanced stealth technologies, including radar-absorbent materials and supercruise capabilities, allowing the aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners.
Equipped with two AL-41F1 engines, this fighter can reach a speed of Mach 2 (equivalent to 2,472 km/h), with a combat range of more than 2,000 km. The Su-57 is equipped with a variety of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and guided bombs. The aircraft’s advanced avionics system includes an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar capable of detecting, tracking and attacking multiple targets at the same time. The cockpit is also integrated with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite, helping to enhance survivability in hostile environments.
The creation of the Su-57 not only demonstrates Russia’s ambition to enhance its air superiority but also to boost arms exports to other countries. Russia hopes that the Su-57 will be a key player in the international fighter jet market, providing a viable alternative to American and European fighters. In addition, the integration of the Su-57 into the Russian Air Force is seen as an important step towards modernizing the country’s armed forces.
Although many details have not been disclosed, since last year, many sources said that the Russian aircraft manufacturer UAC is researching and developing an export version of the Su-57, also known as the Su-57E. In Africa, Algeria and Egypt are the countries that can afford to buy this fighter.
At the 2024 Egypt International Air Show, the Su-57E was presented alongside the Kh-69 (X-79) air-to-surface cruise missile. The Kh-69 is a new generation Russian cruise missile designed for long-range precision operations. With an effective range of up to 400km from the launch point, the Kh-69 can strike strategic targets with high precision thanks to its advanced guidance system, combining satellite navigation and infrared sensors for low-altitude flight.
Key Features of the Su-57 Fighter Jet
- Advanced stealth technologies, including radar-absorbent materials and supercruise capabilities
- Equipped with two AL-41F1 engines, reaching a speed of Mach 2 (equivalent to 2,472 km/h)
- Combat range of more than 2,000 km
- Advanced avionics system, including AESA radar and electronic warfare suite
- Integrated with a variety of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and guided bombs
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