Russia says Su-35 and Su-57 fighter jets have attracted interest from foreign buyers (Photo: PJSC United Aircraft Corporation of the Rostec State Corporation)
Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s arms export conglomerate, stated that the Su-57 and Su-35 fighter jets continue to attract considerable interest among foreign customers.
“Our partners are interested in the latest high-tech models that meet the latest trends in the global market. Naturally, the greatest interest is generated by products that have been tested in combat conditions,” Mikheev observed, according to Military Watch.
“The leaders in their segments include the Su-57E and Su-35 fighter jets, which have gained combat experience, the Ka-52E reconnaissance and attack helicopter, the T-90MS tank, the Sarma and Tornado MLRS, the TOS-1A and TOS-2 Tosochka heavy flamethrowers, the Tigr and Typhoon armored vehicles, and the S-400.”
Exports of the Su-35 fighters have been credited with helping Russia’s defense sector reverse the trend that began in 2022, leading to a decline in annual exports, with three new foreign clients for the aircraft confirmed that year.
However, Military Watch noted that Russian fighter exports remain threatened by economic sanctions imposed by Western countries. Potential clients, such as Indonesia and Egypt, canceled orders for Su-35 and Su-57 fighters due to external pressures and threats.
Ethiopia and Iran are considered likely customers for more Su-35s from Russia, while Algeria is expected to focus on funding acquisitions of Su-57 fighters and potential modernization of its Su-30MKA fleet.
During the Innoprom exhibition in Saudi Arabia, Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov, announced that contracts had already been signed in the Middle East for the export of the Su-57, with Iran at the center of speculations.
The Su-57 has also attracted interest from a significant number of potential customers, with Vietnam, Kazakhstan, and North Korea considered among the most likely buyers. This potential deal with North Korea would be particularly relevant for Russia, as it would help strengthen the air defense systems of an important partner.
Thus, while the threats of Western sanctions and other forms of pressure have proven capable of significantly restricting the market share of Russian combat aircraft, an increasing number of countries have managed to establish “sanction-proof” economies, as is the case with Indonesia.
Photo: PJSC United Aircraft Corporation of the Rostec State Corporation. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
