Key Points – Algeria is set to become the first international customer for Russia’s Su-57E “Felon” fifth-generation stealth fighter, with six aircraft expected for delivery in 2025 and pilots currently training in Russia; a follow-on order for eight more is rumored.
-This acquisition, part of an arms race with Morocco (which operates F-16s and may seek F-35s), marks a significant upgrade for the Algerian Air Force.
-While Russian sources tout the Su-57E’s capabilities against Western air defenses, its actual stealth and overall performance compared to jets like the F-22 and F-35 remain debated by Western analysts, especially given Russia’s limited production numbers and ongoing manufacturing challenges.
Russia’s Su-57 Felon Is Still A Failure (No Matter Who Buys It)
Russia’s much vaunted Su-57 Felon finally has a foreign buyer. Algeria, which has long been rumored to be interested in the Felon, has opted to buy the Russian 5th-generation fighter.
In doing so, Algeria becomes the first nation other than Russia to operate the Su-57. Algeria, in an arms race with Morocco, has purchased six Su-57E models (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. The Kingdom may possibly soon field F-35 Lightning IIs from the US.
While the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) did not disclose the identity of the purchasing country during the MILEX 2025 defense exhibition in Minsk, multiple independent sources, including Algerian state television and statements from Russian officials, confirm that Algeria is the first export client.
Russian state-owned defense firm Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev’s comment at the Aero India 2025 exhibition: “The first foreign customer of the promising fifth-generation multirole fighter Su-57E will begin operating this aircraft, which will be supplied by Rosoboronexport, in 2025.”
Algeria has been a purchaser of 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.
India withdrew from the FGFA joint development project in 2018, citing insufficient stealth performance and dissatisfaction with Russian radar and avionics.
Su-57: No Match For the F-22 or the F-35
Designed to compete with Western jets like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the Su-57 is no match for either of these American air platforms, and Russia’s industrial base is far from ready to mass-produce the stealth jet to the desired levels.
To date, Russia has only 20 operational Felons in its air fleet. Most experts consider the program a failure.
The Su-57 combines stealth, advanced avionics, and supermaneuverability, reflecting an amended, hybrid philosophy rooted in traditional Russian combat doctrine that prioritizes supermaneuverability, through thrust vectoring, particularly at low speeds, but updated for the challenges of modern aerial warfare in an era increasingly defined by stealthy aircraft.
The Su-57 Felon’s stealth features include faced surfaces that redirect radar out and away from the jet, internal weapon bays, and radar-absorbent materials, with 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 far below those of Western stealth aircraft, as the Russians are still in the infancy of building stealth aircraft.
Development of the Su-57: A Mess
The development of the Su-57 began in the early 2000s under the PAK FA (Prospective Aviation Complex of Frontline Aviation) program, which aimed to create a next-generation fighter to replace the aging fleet of Soviet-era aircraft.
The first prototype, designated the T-50, made its maiden flight on January 29, 2010. Over the next decade, the aircraft underwent extensive testing and refinement, with several prototypes being built and flown.
The Felon faced numerous challenges during its development, including technical issues, budget constraints, and international sanctions. Despite these hurdles, the Russian government remained committed to the project.
In 2019, the first production model of the Su-57 was delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces, marking a significant milestone in the program. In 2022, 12 aircraft were delivered to the VKS, with an additional 20 reportedly scheduled for delivery in 2024; however, it is unlikely that many, if any, were delivered.
The export model of the Felon is powered by two Saturn Izdeliye 30 engines, which provide a top speed of Mach 1.09 (838 mph) and a range of approximately 1,250 kilometers (776 miles) with a combat radius.
The Su-57 can carry a wide range of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles and precision-guided bombs. Its internal weapons bays can house up to four R-77 or R-74 air-to-air missiles, while additional hardpoints on the wings allow for the carriage of larger munitions. The aircraft also has a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon for close-range engagements.
In addition to its advanced arsenal, 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.
The Algerian contract will not be an extensive one, and at presently, there are no other offers on the table to track.
Russian manufacturing is hurting due to the Western sanctions. However, Russia will continue this program and hopes it can entice other foreign countries to invest in its troubled program.
About the Author:
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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