In a significant development in the arms trade, Russia’s state-run arms export company, Rosoboronexport, has announced its first export contracts for the Sukhoi Su-57 supersonic stealth aircraft to foreign military customers. This revelation took place during an aerospace exhibition in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China, where the Su-57 was showcased for the first time outside of Russia.
Alexander Mikheye, CEO of Rosoboronexport, emphasized the importance of military-technical cooperation in expanding the range of weapons and military equipment available in the global market. He highlighted the economic advantages of Russia’s presence in international markets, noting that numerous friendly countries have expressed a desire to purchase reliable and proven Russian military hardware.
The Su-57, dubbed “Felon” by NATO, is a cutting-edge 20-meter-long stealth aircraft designed for superiority in the skies. With a wingspan of 14 meters, it boasts advanced capabilities powered by twin Saturn AL-41 afterburning turbofan engines. The aircraft is equipped with a range of armaments, including a Gryazev-Shipunov autocannon, guided and cluster bombs, as well as various missiles suitable for air-to-air, air-to-surface, anti-ship, and anti-radiation roles.
The Su-57 is designed for high performance, featuring a service ceiling of 20,000 meters and a range of approximately 4,500 kilometers. It can reach impressive speeds of up to Mach 2, equivalent to 2,470 kilometers per hour.
In previous announcements, Rosoboronexport has indicated that interest in adopting the Su-57 extends across several countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. As part of its strategy to enhance international collaborations, Moscow has proposed to localize production of the aircraft in countries such as the United Arab Emirates and India, further strengthening defense ties and capability sharing.
The unveiling of export contracts and the display of the Su-57 at the Zhuhai exhibition marks a notable step for Russia in consolidating its influence in the global arms market, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical dynamics and the evolving nature of international military partnerships.
