Key Points and Summary – Despite being marketed as Russia’s premier 5th-generation stealth fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” has failed mainly in the export market, with Algeria being its only confirmed international buyer to date.
-This analysis argues the jet’s lack of success is due to two key factors.
-First, its stealth capabilities are considered significantly inferior to its American competitors, the F-22 and F-35.
-Second, Russia’s sanctions-hit industrial base is struggling to produce the complex aircraft in meaningful numbers even for its own air force, making potential customers wary of Moscow’s ability to deliver.
Why Is Algeria The Only Country To Buy The Su-57 Felon?
To date, Russia has only one confirmed buyer of the Su-57 fighter jet: Algeria. The aircraft’s export version only recently became available, and the initial order is small (a reported total of 14 aircraft).
Algeria has strong historical military ties with Russia. Moscow is therefore a natural partner as Algeria continues military modernization efforts to counter regional security threats.
Russia, meanwhile, is in the midst of a strategic push to find international buyers for the Su-57, which has struggled to gain traction since its introduction.
Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-run arms export agency, announced in February that an undisclosed foreign customer will start to receive Su-57s this year, but provided no details about that nation’s identity.
The news was shared at the opening of Aero India by Rosoboronexport Chief Alexander Mikheev.
But why is Algeria the Su-57’s only buyer?
Algeria’s Ties To Moscow
Algeria becomes the first nation other than Russia to operate the Su-57. Algeria, in an arms race with Morocco, has purchased six Su-57Es (an export model), with pilots being trained in Russia. The six units are to be delivered sometime in 2025. Algeria is also rumored to be purchasing eight more Felons, for a total of 14.
Morocco has also undertaken a modernization campaign that included the acquisition of F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 72 fighters from the United States in 2019. Moroccos may soon also field F-35 Lightning IIs.
Algeria has purchased Russian military equipment since the 1960s.
“The Su-57 is the world’s sole fifth-generation fighter that has proven its ability to efficiently counter Western-made air defense systems in a real combat environment. The fighter can employ a wide range of high-precision guided weapons and features a low radar signature,” TASS reported.
The Su-57 Can’t Compete With US Stealth Aircraft
Designed to compete with Western jets such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the Su-57 is no match for either of these American air platforms. Further, Russia’s industrial base is far from ready to mass-produce the stealth jet to the levels Moscow wants to see. To date, Russia has only 20 operational Felons in its air fleet.
The Su-57 combines stealthy attributes, advanced avionics, and supermaneuverability, reflecting a hybrid philosophy. Traditional Russian combat doctrine prioritizes supermaneuverability, through thrust vectoring, particularly at low speeds. But this doctrine is updated in the Su-57 to meet the challenges of modern aerial warfare, in an era increasingly defined by stealthy aircraft.
The Felon’s stealth features include faced surfaces that redirect radar out and away from the jet; internal weapon bays; and radar-absorbent materials. There is particular emphasis on reducing the jet’s radar cross-section from the frontal aspect, in part by burying the jet’s two engines within the airframe.
However, its stealth properties fall well short of Western stealth fighters. Indeed, the Russians are still in the early stages of developing stealth aircraft.
India Wanted The F-35 But May Opt For The Su-57
Indian defense journalist Angad Singh said to TWZ: “Regardless of political winds in the United States, our case for the F-35 is complicated by the S-400 and the hordes of other Soviet/Russian equipment we operate.”
“The Felon, let’s be real, is probably the least-capable ‘fifth-generation’ fighter out there, and the least mature. Not a good combination. I don’t see the utility in it as a counter to Chinese fifth-generation developments,” Singh added.
Can Russian Manufacturing Keep up With Orders?
Currently, it is doubtful that Russia can produce the Felon at a decent clip. The Su-57 is versatile and can perform several missions, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. Its advanced avionics and sensor suite enable it to operate in contested environments and rapidly engage aerial and ground-based threats. But the aircraft in the Russian inventory number only around 50.
The Algerian contract will not be very large, and at present, there are no other offers on the table to track – Russian manufacturing is hurting from Western sanctions. However, Russia will continue to push this aircraft and hope it can entice other foreign countries to invest in its troubled program.
About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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