No Nation Wants a Felon: Russia is attempting to sell its Su-57 "Felon" fifth-generation stealth fighter to foreign buyers, though only a limited number have been produced.

Stealth Drama: Despite claims of interest from other countries, the aircraft's capabilities and production have been questioned, especially in comparison to Western fighters like the F-35. Countries like Turkey and China are unlikely buyers, and though Algeria and Malaysia have been mentioned, interest remains uncertain.

More Stealth Challenges: Meanwhile, Russia's other stealth fighter project, the Su-75 "Checkmate," seems to have stalled.

Russia Looking for Buyers for its Su-57 'Fifth-Generation' Fighter

The Russian aerospace industry has built fewer than three dozen Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon" fifth-generation stealth fighters. The Kremlin has been accused of lacking any confidence in the aircraft, as noted by its absence over Ukraine. 

But this week, Russian officials claimed foreign countries have asked about purchasing the aircraft.

No specific prospective buyer has been named, but Director of Federal Services for Military-Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugaev made the claim at this week's Army 2024 Military-Technical Forum outside Moscow. The largest military arms show in Russia kicked off on Monday and runs through Wednesday.

"The Su-57 multifunctional fighter is a high-tech product with a plenitude of suppliers involved in its creation. Production of the aircraft requires strict coordination of their action and high quality of training of specialists of different disciplines. The interest of foreign countries in buying the Su-57 is in place. Relevant requests are being received," Shugaev told state media outlet TASS.

All Hype?

The idea that foreign buyers are lining up to adopt the Su-57 seems a bit dubious, especially as the Kremlin has struggled to produce the aircraft in significant numbers. It wouldn't be the first time Russia has boasted about the aircraft without backing up its claims. 

Questions have been raised about its capabilities, notably its stealth. Experts suggest the Su-57 would be hopelessly outclassed by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II in a head-to-head fight. The Russian fighter has a design that is much closer to an advanced fourth-generation fighter than a true fifth-generation aircraft.

As for stealth, it may be less detectable than an F-15 Eagle or F-16 Fighting Falcon, but the Su-57 has a poor cross section compared to its fifth-generation rivals.

Who Might Buy It?

Russia's state arms seller Rosoboronexport continues to tout the aircraft. A few countries have reportedly expressed interest in the past, including Algeria, India, and Malaysia, while China has occasionally been named as a potential buyer. That last seems unlikely, however, after Beijing domestically developed the J-20 "Mighty Dragon.”

Russia also sought to entice Turkey with the jet after Ankara was ejected from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program for its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air-defense system. However, Turkey has closed a deal with the U.S. for the Block 70 variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Ankara also continues to develop its own domestic fighter.

That leaves Turkey and China out of the mix, and though there are reports that Algeria operates at least one Su-57, this has not been confirmed. 

More than four years ago, the Foreign Policy Research Institute found there was little interest abroad in the Su-57, but Malaysia was listed as one of the handful of interested nations. The Southeast Asian nation may still be looking to acquire the Russian-made fighter, even as Kuala Lumpur is in discussions with Kuwait to purchase the latter’s fleet of used F/A-18 Hornets. 

What About the Su-75?

Meanwhile, the Sukhoi Su-75 “Checkmate” has received no mention at this week's Army 2024 show. This is a portent that the program won't advance beyond the vaporware stage.  

It would seem Russia has finally accepted it is out of moves when it comes to its bargain-basement stealth fighter, the Su-75. The Felon may be running out of options as well.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu 

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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