Algeria becomes the first foreign operator for the Russian ghost SU-57E
The Russian agency TASS reported on May 22, 2025 that the first foreign customer is certain to fight the Russian SU-57e multi-generation, the fifth generation, will start operating during the year 2025. Although the Russian Federal Military-Technical Cooperation Authority (FSVTS) did not reveal the identity of the buyer during the Milex 2025 defense exhibition in Minsk, multiple independent sources, including Algerian official TV Russian officials' statements confirmed that Algeria is the first to export the fighter.

Algerian pilots receive advanced training in Russia in preparation for the plane in practice. The first batch is expected to include six aircraft, with the delivery of the end of 2025. Ross Obouron Xport had previously alluded to this deal during the Airshow China 2024, and its director Alexander Mikheev repeated these signals at the Aero India 2025, stressing that a foreign customer will start running the fighter during the current year.
The SU-57E is the export version of the Su-57 fighter, which was circulated by Sukhoi within the PAK FA program (Future Air Force Combat Air Complex), under the supervision of the United Russian aircraft company (UAC). Its development began in the early first decade of the millennium, and its first flight was conducted on January 29, 2010, while the serial production process was launched in 2019 at the aircraft factory in "Komsomolsk-NNA-Amori". A Russian government contract signed in 2019 stipulates the delivery of 76 Su-57 fighters to the Russian Space Air Force by 2028, which is enough to equip three flying regiments. The first serial model was delivered in December 2020, and at the end of 2023 it was produced 22 aircraft (including initial models). The update continues, including the second -generation engine test known as "Ezdilli 30", which is expected to merge into production aircraft before 2027.
The SU-57E carries the features of the fifth generation fighters, among them the decrease in the radar fingerprint, the ability to maneuver and an internal weapons load. It is designed to perform multiple tasks in complex operating environments, and can carry out air, ground and free tasks in all weather conditions. The maximum weight is 35,500 kg, the interior fuel capacity is 11,100 kg, with a top speed of about 2,600 km/h, with a operating roof of up to 20,000 meters. Its range without re -refueling reaches 2,800 km, and it can extend to 5,200 km with one air supply, and 7,800 km with two supply processes. The maximum flight is about 10 hours, and it can bear acceleration pressure of up to 11G. The fighter is equipped with a digital aircraft control system and engines directed to enhance the maneuvering capacity.
The cockpit is mono and includes an integrated display system, the oxygen generation system, and the fifth generation ejaculation seat of the NPP Zvezda developer, features an automatic modification system according to the weight of the pilot and the circumstances of the flight. As for the electronics package, it includes the N036 BELKA radar with the ASA technology at the front of the plane, side radars, and the other in the wave in the roots of the wings. The radar system consists of 1,526 transmission and reception units, and it depends entirely on the semi -Russian conductors made of gallium arsenic. The fighter supports operation in a network war environment, which is compatible with uninhabited systems such as the S-70 Okhotnik, with which joint tests were conducted.
In terms of armament, the Su-57e can carry a load of up to 7,500 kg distributed over 6 internal points and 12 external points. Its internal loads include advanced atmosphere such as R-77M and R-74M2, along with accurate offensive munitions such as the KH-69 and GROM-E1 to strike the ground targets. It also includes a steady armament with a 9A1-4071K 30 mm cannon, which is an improved version of the GSH-30-1. Other compatible ammunitions include KH-38, KH-58OSHKE, and guided bombs such as Kab-500, Kab-250, UPAб-1500б-E, with tactical flexibility in choosing internal or external configuration according to the requirements of task and hiding.
Algeria's choice of SU-57e plane is in line with its most comprehensive strategy in arms, which is based on Russian and generous platforms, such as SU-30MKA, MIG-29, MIG-25, and S-300pmu-2 systems. Although Algeria did not completely disclose the details of the contract, the open sources indicate that the deal includes six fighters initially. This deal is seen as a step towards strengthening Algeria's air combat capabilities regionally. Analysts note that the price of one unit of Su-57e is much lower than its western counterparts of the fifth generation, and is estimated at about $ 50 million. The choice of Algeria is attributed to this economic factor, in addition to the depth of defense relations with Russia, despite the existing reservations about the quality of production and the effectiveness of the technique of concealment.