Russia has officially secured new export contracts for its Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter, signaling a significant expansion into the international arms market. On April 15, 2026, during the opening of the DSA-2026 international arms exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, the state arms exporter Rosoboronexport announced that several partners have already signed contracts for the aircraft.
Algeria is currently the only confirmed foreign operator of the Su-57E. Leaked documents and recent observations confirm that Algeria received its first two aircraft by November 2025. The contract is estimated to include 14 aircraft worth approximately $2 billion.
Russian Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov confirmed in February 2026 that multiple contracts have been signed with Middle Eastern buyers. While specific countries were not named, defense analysts widely speculate that Iran is a leading candidate due to its urgent need to modernize its aging air force.
Russia has extended a high-stakes proposal to India for the local production of 100 Su-57E units at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities. The offer includes full technology transfer and access to mission source codes. Talks are reportedly in an “advanced technical stage” as of January 2026.
Interest has also been reported from Vietnam, North Korea, and Malaysia, with Malaysia recently identifying the Su-57E as a potential option for modernizing its fleet.
The export push is intended to generate revenue to sustain production lines at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant, which has faced slow manufacturing rates due to western sanctions and a recent fire at a composite component facility in April 2026. Russia markets the Su-57E as a “combat-proven” alternative to Western platforms like the F-35, emphasizing its operational experience in the Ukrainian theatre.
SOURCE: USI
