After Russia landed its ‘stealthy’ Su-57 fighter in China for the Zhuhai Airshow, it has now intensified its promotional efforts, highlighting the jet’s effectiveness in countering Western air defense systems, particularly the US-made Patriots. 

Sergey Chemezov, general director of the Russian state corporation Rostec, said that an export version, the Su-57E, will be presented at the show. 

As per the Russian News Agency, Tass, Chemezov emphasized the Su-57’s capabilities, describing it as the only fifth-generation fighter to have proven effective against advanced Western air defense systems such as the Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T. 

Chemezov stated that the aircraft has successfully carried out combat missions, likely in Ukraine, and is capable of deploying advanced stealth cruise missiles, such as the Kh-69. 

“A wide cooperation of Rostec enterprises is involved in the production of the machine, aviation complexes are supplied in series,” Rostec quoted Chemezov as saying.

In Zhuhai, the Su-57E is set to make its international debut as part of the air show’s flight program to showcase its agility through aerobatic maneuvers. 

Chemezov further stated that he believes the Su-57E’s low observability and ability to deploy guided, high-precision weaponry will attract the interest of potential foreign buyers. 

“The machine has a high export potential and is of great interest to specialists and foreign customers,” Chemezov said.

In addition to the aerial display, the Su-57E will be exhibited in a static parking area alongside a suite of cutting-edge aviation armaments developed by the Tactical Missile Armament Corporation. 

Moscow’s display includes several advanced munitions, some of which are making their international debut. These weapons include the Kh-58USHKE anti-radar missile, the Grom-E1 guided missile, and the K08BE and UPAB-1500B-E aerial bombs. 

Russia also plans to showcase the stealth-capable Kh-69, a new-generation high-precision cruise missile. These weapons are intended to underscore the Su-57E’s versatility in combat operations and compatibility with a wide range of high-tech armaments. 

Russia Pushes For Global Sales Of Su-57E Fighters

With Zhuhai Airshow serving as a prominent stage for defense promotions, Moscow’s assertion of the Su-57’s effectiveness against Western defense systems likely aims to showcase its advanced fighter technology and attract new customers in the global defense market. 

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of Russia’s state corporation Rostec, has already indicated that it is prepared to supply the Su-57E to foreign partners.

Ahead of the exhibition, UAC officials highlighted the Su-57’s strategic importance, describing it as a symbol of Russia’s technological sovereignty and advanced science and technology capabilities. 

The corporation added that it is increasing the production of the Su-57 and is prepared to offer it to potential foreign buyers. 

The corporation further reflected on the Su-57’s potential as a major export product, noting that a decade ago, the Su-35 made its debut at the same airshow and has since found customers globally. 

Visitors at the Airshow China will also get a chance to ‘fly’ the fighter via a virtual reality simulator. These promotional efforts come at a time when the aircraft’s reputation has been tarnished by its limited presence in the ongoing war in Ukraine. 

While Russian officials claim the aircraft has successfully executed combat missions, the details of its engagement against Ukrainian forces remain scarce. 

According to the UK Ministry of Defence’s intelligence report in January 2023, the Su-57 has operated in Ukrainian airspace but only at standoff ranges, far from the frontline. The intelligence service alleged that Russia might be reluctant to send the Su-57 into contested airspace due to concerns over the fighter’s vulnerability. 

Further fueling these concerns, a Ukrainian drone strike earlier this year damaged a Su-57 at an airbase situated far from the frontlines. 

The aircraft’s minimal involvement in the Ukraine conflict is partly due to its small fleet size, which has likely left Moscow wary of the political ramifications if one were to be downed. 

Additionally, slow aircraft system development and design delays have hampered the Su-57’s effectiveness. Despite its first flight in 2010, less than 40 Su-57s have been delivered to the Russian military, with production only commencing in 2019 due to industrial bottlenecks and Western sanctions. 

Furthermore, a recent video showing close-up footage of the Su-57 has raised concerns about its build quality, potentially undermining the promotional benefits Moscow sought to gain by presenting the aircraft at the airshow. 

Nonetheless, the true test of the Su-57’s appeal to international customers will depend on how these concerns about its performance and production capabilities are addressed in the future.

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