Despite Western sanctions, Russian companies continue to focus on the export market for their main systems and platforms. This was evident at the ROSOBORONEXPORT stand at the Egypt International Airshow held from September 3 to 5. Among the various systems and highlighted exhibits was the presentation of the export version of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, which equips the Russian Aerospace Forces. This is part of the UAC’s strategy to equip the air forces of North African countries.
While many details are not yet known, it was revealed last year that the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has been working on an export version of the Su-57 fighter jet. Known as the Su-57E, according to ROSOBORONEXPORT, this is an effort to equip Russia’s regional partners and attract new partners to the development and manufacturing program of the stealth aircraft.
As of now, various Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) sources indicate that the UAC is in the midst of delivering Su-57s to the Aerospace Forces, but not in numbers comparable to its Western rivals (F-22 and F-35) or Chinese counterparts (J-20). Various estimates suggest that the force currently has around ten units in service, following announcements made by the Rostec consortium in recent months, with the last delivery of the Felon occurring last December.
Despite this situation, Russia and its industrial complex continue to bet on the Su-57 to equip regional partners and allies. In the African continent, Algeria and Egypt are countries with which the Russian government has historical relationships and room to acquire such equipment. As part of this effort, the fifth-generation fighter was presented alongside the Kh-69 air-launched cruise missile.
“Rosoboronexport accepted with great gratitude the Egyptian invitation to participate in the Egypt International Airshow,” said Alexander Mikheev, CEO of the Russian state agency, to the TASS news agency. “Our presence here will help strengthen technical-military cooperation between Russia and Egypt, as well as further develop relations with countries in Africa and the Middle East, whose combined share in the company’s order books exceeds 50%. I am confident that the airshow has a bright future. We are ready to become permanent participants.”
However, the Su-57E was not the only proposal presented by the Russian state agency in Egypt. The Pantsir-S1M, Tor-M2E air defense systems, and MANPAD Verba were also showcased. Unmanned aerial vehicles from the Orlan family (“Orlan-10E” and “Orlan-30”) were also observed.
*Photographs used for illustration purposes.
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