Russia has officially delivered two of its advanced Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets to an undisclosed foreign buyer for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military export history. The announcement was made by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russia’s leading aircraft manufacturer, whose CEO Vadim Badekha confirmed the delivery to state media channel One. Badekha stated, “Two Su-57 aircraft have been delivered to a foreign partner and they are now on combat duty. Our client is satisfied with the aircraft.” Despite this confirmation, the identity of the purchasing country remains confidential, continuing a pattern of secrecy surrounding the deal.
The deal for the Su-57 fighters was initially announced by Russia’s official arms export agency, Rosoboronexport, in November 2024. At that time, the agency revealed that a contract had been finalized for the export of these advanced jets but withheld the buyer’s identity. Since then, speculation has grown regarding which country is the recipient of these cutting-edge aircraft. Analysts and defense experts widely speculate that Algeria is the likely buyer. This assumption is grounded in reports from Algerian state media earlier in 2025, which mentioned that Algerian pilots had been undergoing training in Russia to operate the Su-57 fighters. While this has not been officially confirmed by Russian or Algerian authorities, it remains the strongest lead regarding the buyer’s identity.
The Su-57 represents Russia’s most advanced fighter jet and stands among a very exclusive group of fifth-generation stealth fighters manufactured worldwide. Currently, only three nations produce such aircraft in serial production: the United States, China, and Russia. The U.S. fields the well-known F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor, China produces the J-20 and the newer J-35, while Russia manufactures the Su-57. This category of aircraft is characterized by advanced stealth capabilities, cutting-edge digital avionics, and multi-role versatility, allowing them to perform air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions with a high degree of survivability in contested environments.
Russia’s export version of the Su-57, known as the Su-57E, is tailored specifically for international customers. It features a range of modifications that differentiate it from the domestic models used by the Russian Air Force. These changes include altered electronics, avionics systems, and software adaptations to meet export regulations and customers’ operational requirements. The Su-57E retains the core stealth design and multi-role capabilities but is optimized for the global market, enabling Russia to compete with Western and Chinese fifth-generation fighters on the international arms trade stage.
The delivery of these two Su-57 jets amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts is a significant indicator of Russia’s sustained production capacity for advanced military hardware. Analysts have noted that Russia’s ability to either continue manufacturing these complex aircraft during wartime or to draw from existing inventories to fulfill foreign orders demonstrates a resilient defense industrial base. This is particularly notable given the extensive sanctions and supply chain disruptions that Russia has faced since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Maintaining production or inventory at this level allows Russia to uphold its commitments to foreign military sales and project influence through arms exports.
The Su-57’s advanced features include low-observable stealth technology, integrated digital systems for situational awareness, and versatile weapons capabilities. These attributes make it a formidable platform intended to rival the best Western and Chinese fighters. Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Western intelligence and defense observers have closely monitored Russia’s military manufacturing capabilities, assessing how the war might impact production of key systems like the Su-57. The confirmation of this first foreign delivery marks a noteworthy development, signaling that despite challenges, Russia’s aerospace industry continues to operate and uphold its export ambitions.
The significance of this milestone goes beyond just the delivery of aircraft. It highlights Russia’s broader strategic approach to military exports as a tool for geopolitical influence. By exporting the Su-57, Russia not only gains economically but also strengthens military ties with partner nations, potentially altering regional balances of power. Algeria, if confirmed as the buyer, would join an elite club of operators of fifth-generation fighters, significantly enhancing its air force’s capabilities and its standing within the region.
In summary, Russia’s delivery of two Su-57 stealth fighters to an unnamed foreign country represents a historic first for the country’s advanced fighter program. While the buyer remains officially undisclosed, strong evidence points toward Algeria as the recipient. The Su-57 is a highly sophisticated aircraft that places Russia among