Russia's Su-57 Fighter Jet Generating Interest for Export

Several countries have placed orders for the advanced fifth-generation aircraft, Rosoboronexport confirms.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:50am

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A dynamic, abstract painting depicting a Su-57 fighter jet in flight, its form fractured and repeated in overlapping, geometric waves of dark blue, silver, and red, conveying a sense of speed and power.Russia's cutting-edge Su-57 fighter jet takes center stage as geopolitical tensions and economic pressures mount globally.NYC Today

Russia's state-owned defense export agency Rosoboronexport has announced that several countries have placed orders for the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, though it did not specify the customers. The Su-57 will be showcased at an upcoming defense exhibition in Malaysia as Russia looks to expand exports of the advanced aircraft.

Why it matters

The Su-57 is one of only a handful of fifth-generation fighter jets in service globally, putting Russia in an elite club alongside the U.S. and China. Expanding exports of the Su-57 would boost Russia's arms sales and geopolitical influence, though the aircraft's capabilities are considered inferior to the latest American and Chinese fighters.

The details

Rosoboronexport stated that the "Su-57E is generating great interest among Rosoboronexport's partners, several of whom have already contracted for the Russian fighter. The list of customers for this aircraft is steadily expanding." The Su-57 will be presented at the Defense Services Asia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from April 20-23. The Su-57 is one of only five fifth-generation fighter jets in service worldwide, along with the Chinese J-20 and J-35 and the American F-22 and F-35. Its avionics are considered more advanced than the aging F-22, but inferior to the F-35 and modern Chinese fighters.

  • The Su-57 will be presented at the Defense Services Asia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from April 20-23, 2026.

The players

Rosoboronexport

Russia's state-owned defense export agency that confirmed several countries have placed orders for the Su-57 fighter jet.

Su-57

Russia's fifth-generation fighter jet that is one of only a handful of such advanced aircraft in service globally.

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The takeaway

Russia's development and export of the Su-57 fighter jet highlights its efforts to maintain its position as a global military power and arms exporter, even as the aircraft's capabilities lag behind the latest American and Chinese fifth-generation fighters.