Su-57 presented in China: Is there really a new customer for the Russian aircraft?
According to Alexander Mikheev, the head of Russia's Rosoboronexport, the first contract for Russia's so-called 5th-generation Su-57 aircraft was signed during an air show in Zhuhai, China. This information comes from a November 12 report by Russia's TASS news agency. The report mentions significant interest from a mysterious customer who visited the Russian stand at the exhibition. However, the identity of the customer purchasing the Su-57 aircraft has not been disclosed.
The Zhuhai Air Show is considered Asia's equivalent of the Paris Air Show. Beijing took the opportunity to present its own stealth fighter for the first time. However, amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, the event was notably marked by Russia's presence. Beijing seemed eager to support the Russian military, which has been heavily restricted by international sanctions since the start of the Ukraine conflict. These sanctions have largely prevented Russia from showcasing and selling its military equipment at major international aeronautical events, such as Le Bourget in France, Farnborough in the UK, or Singapore. During the Zhuhai Air Show, the Su-57 participated in demonstrations in the Chinese sky, observed by officials and applauded by thousands of spectators.
According to Mikheev, as quoted by TASS, the sale aligns with a broader strategy of developing and marketing integrated systems capable of operating collaboratively on the battlefield to enhance efficiency. This approach mirrors global trends in weapons development. For instance, Western militaries employ F-35 aircraft not only as fighters but also as reconnaissance platforms and data hubs that share intelligence with other units or designate targets. While these technologies are already in practice in the West, the stage of development in Russia remains unclear. It is reasonable to assume Russia is significantly behind, and export customers may play a key role—especially financially—in advancing these systems to compete with Western capabilities.
The Su-57's customer is unlikely to be a struggling nation from the global South. Instead, it is more plausible that the buyer is a country with some ties to the West, sufficient resources to afford advanced military technology, and a strategic rationale for taking the risks associated with joining the Russian program. Potential candidates for purchasing the Su-57 or its export variant, the Su-57E, include North Korea and Iran—nations openly supporting Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
Both North Korea and Iran have notable industrial capacities and means to compensate Russia for the Su-57. Iran could offer weapons, munitions, and certain technologies, while North Korea might contribute soldiers, manpower, munitions, and simpler weaponry. Both nations also face challenges in defending their territories from aerial attacks. For instance, in 2024, Iran suffered heavy losses during a two-strike exchange with Israel. Despite launching attacks with ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles, Iran inflicted minimal damage on Israel. Conversely, Israel's retaliatory "Day of Atonement" operation on October 26 significantly degraded Iran's infrastructure and air defenses. Israel’s advanced air force underscored the obsolescence of Iran’s outdated fleet.
Iran's air force remains largely antiquated, consisting of F-5 Tiger IIs and their local derivatives, the aging F-4 Phantom IIs, Su-24s, Mirage F1s, a limited number of F-14 Tomcats, and a single MiG-29 squadron. This arsenal is insufficient for modern air combat and presents an easy target for adversaries. Reports from earlier this year suggested Iran had acquired 24 Su-35s, possibly surplus machines originally intended for Egypt, but Tehran denied this claim. Even if true, 24 Su-35s would barely scratch the surface of Iran's air defense requirements.
However, another Iranian acquisition has been confirmed: Yak-130 fighter trainers. These aircraft can train pilots for any Russian fighter, including the Su-57. The Su-57 remains Iran's only option for a 5th-generation fighter unless China agrees to sell the J-35A, a scenario that seems even less likely than obtaining the Su-57.
Other potential buyers of the Su-57 include Algeria and Vietnam, the latter having expressed interest as early as 2020. Other candidates could include Uzbekistan, Syria, and Venezuela. However, not every country is militarily or diplomatically aligned with Moscow, nor can they afford such advanced technology. Regardless, the Su-57 attracted significant attention from Chinese audiences during the Zhuhai Air Show, reflecting the close ties and military cooperation between Beijing and Moscow. Crowds took photos and selfies with the aircraft and Russian military personnel, with one attendee noting that the Ukraine war was not a topic of discussion, emphasizing instead the perception of Russia as a friendly nation.
Still, Chinese social media was rife with criticism of the Su-57's design flaws. Visible screws connecting various parts of the aircraft were inconsistent—some cross-head, others flat or hexagonal—creating radar vulnerabilities. Poorly fitted panels and significant gaps further marred the design. As some observers remarked, Russia never fails to surprise.
