EL ALAMEIN, EGYPT, — Russia will showcase its Su-57E export fifth-generation fighter with previously undisclosed weaponry at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 in Egypt from September 8 to 10.
Russia’s state defence conglomerate Rostec said the Su-57E will be presented with “fundamentally new” weapons that have not previously been demonstrated publicly in Russia or abroad. The company has not disclosed the weapon’s designation, range, guidance system or intended targets.
The aircraft will also participate in the flying programme, with an approximately eight-minute solo display scheduled for September 9 and 10. Rostec said the fighter will perform aerobatic manoeuvres as part of the programme.
New Stealth Drones
Rostec will also unveil a new family of low-observable unmanned platforms designed to be launched from fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
The company said the drones have low visibility, long flight range and high speed. They use different types of wings and are being developed as universal platforms capable of performing a wide range of tasks.
Rostec has not released their individual designations, dimensions, endurance, payload or launch mechanism. It has also not confirmed that the drones will actually be launched from a Su-57E during the Egyptian airshow.
Russia has been developing manned-unmanned cooperation for the Su-57 programme. This includes the two-seat Su-57D prototype, which is intended to act as an airborne command post for controlling autonomous drone swarms and larger unmanned aircraft such as the S-70 Okhotnik.
Su-57E Export Programme
The Su-57E is the export version of Russia’s Su-57 multirole fifth-generation fighter, developed by United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of Rostec.
Russia markets the aircraft for its reduced radar visibility, manoeuvrability and ability to use a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. Compatible weapons can be carried inside the aircraft’s internal weapons bays to help maintain its low-observable configuration.
Russia has previously displayed several weapons for the Su-57E, including the RVV-MD2, RVV-SDM and RVV-BD air-to-air missiles, as well as the Kh-38MLE, Kh-69, Kh-58UShKE and Kh-35UE missiles and KAB-250LG-E and UPAB-1500B-E guided bombs.
However, Rostec has not confirmed that any of these previously displayed weapons is the new weapon planned for El Alamein.
Foreign Customers
Rostec said deliveries of the Su-57E to unnamed foreign partners are already underway. Algeria has been widely reported as the first export customer following Algerian media reports and statements from Russian officials, although the two governments have not publicly disclosed the full contractual details or number of aircraft.
Rosoboronexport also signed additional agreements involving the Su-57E at the DSA-2026 exhibition in Malaysia in April.
The aircraft has previously appeared at international exhibitions in China, India and the United Arab Emirates, including Airshow China 2024, Aero India 2025 and the Dubai Airshow 2025.
Egypt’s Previous Su-35 Deal
The Su-57E presentation comes after Egypt’s earlier plans to purchase around 30 Russian Su-35 fighters were halted. The deal faced concerns over possible U.S. sanctions against countries purchasing Russian military equipment under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.
There is currently no official announcement that Egypt has ordered the Su-57E.
Other Russian Systems
Russia will also debut the Bison counter-drone system internationally at El Alamein. Developed by Rostec subsidiary High Precision Systems, Bison is designed to protect critical infrastructure from low-altitude unmanned aircraft.
The system uses radar and electro-optical sensors to detect and track drones and automated 7.62 mm machine-gun mounts to engage them.
Rosoboronexport is organising the unified Russian pavilion at the exhibition, which is expected to bring military delegations and defence-industry representatives from Africa and the Middle East.
The main new elements of Russia’s presentation will be the previously undisclosed Su-57E weapon and the international debut of the new family of low-observable drones designed for launch from fifth-generation fighters.
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