KUALA LUMPUR, — April 20, 2026 : Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport has signed multiple export contracts for the Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jet during the opening of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, according to a statement published on the company’s official website.
The announcement was made at the start of the exhibition, which is being held from April 20 to April 23, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur. Rosoboronexport is presenting the Su-57E as a central platform in its display, alongside other Russian defence systems.
Expanding Export Portfolio
Rosoboronexport stated that the Su-57E is attracting increasing attention from international partners.
“The Su-57E is generating considerable interest among Rosoboronexport’s partners, a number of which have already contracted the Russian fighter. The list of customers for this aircraft is steadily expanding,” the company said.
Despite the reported signing of additional contracts, the company has not disclosed the identities of any new customers. As of April 2026, Algeria remains the only confirmed foreign operator of the Su-57E.
Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev stated that the aircraft is being offered to what the company describes as reliable strategic partners, particularly those already operating Russian-made aviation systems.
Algerian Acquisition and Delivery Timeline
The Algerian procurement of the Su-57E followed a multi-year negotiation process. Initial discussions began in 2019, when an Algerian delegation evaluated the export variant at the MAKS Air Show 2019.
At that time, reports indicated a potential agreement valued at approximately $2 billion for 14 aircraft. The deal experienced delays attributed to production timelines within Russia and requirements to adapt onboard avionics to Algerian operational specifications.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, Russian officials referenced a “foreign customer” without identifying the country involved. The status of the agreement remained undisclosed during this period.
Evidence of delivery emerged in late 2025 and early 2026, when observers recorded the presence of Su-57 aircraft in Algerian airspace and at Algerian Air Force bases. Reports indicated that an initial batch, understood to include two aircraft, had been delivered by late 2025. Algerian pilots had also completed training in Russia prior to the aircraft entering operational service.
Operational Characteristics and Presentation at DSA-2026
At DSA-2026, Rosoboronexport described the Su-57E as a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed for air superiority and strike missions. The company stated that the aircraft has undergone testing in real-world operational conditions, including the use of long-range air-to-air and air-to-surface guided weapons in environments involving active air defence systems and electronic countermeasures.
The Su-57E shares systems and weapons compatibility with aircraft from the Su-30 family. This was highlighted in the context of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which operates the Su-30MKM fighter. Rosoboronexport presented the Su-57E as a potential modernization option that could integrate with Malaysia’s existing infrastructure and logistics framework.
Interest from Southeast Asia and India
Potential interest in the Su-57E has been noted from India and several Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia. These countries operate or have operated aircraft from the Su-30 series and have prior experience with Russian aviation platforms.
Indonesia previously explored acquiring Su-35 fighter jets under a deal structure that included barter-based payments involving commodities such as coffee, tea, rubber, and palm oil. Such arrangements reflect the financial and contractual complexities often associated with defence procurement in the region.
Ongoing Production and Export Positioning
Rosoboronexport, part of the Rostec state corporation, continues to promote the Su-57E exclusively to selected international partners. The aircraft remains in serial production for the Russian Air Force, with domestic deliveries ongoing alongside the export program.
While the company reports that multiple export contracts have been signed during DSA-2026, no additional agreements have been officially confirmed by purchasing countries, and no further details on quantities, delivery schedules, or contract values have been disclosed.
The DSA-2026 exhibition continues to serve as a platform for presenting Russian defence technologies, with the Su-57E positioned among systems that have demonstrated operational performance under combat-relevant conditions.
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