At AirShow China 2024, Russia showcased the Su-57E, the export version of its cutting-edge Su-57 5th-generation stealth fighter. Specifically designed for international markets, the Su-57E brings advanced capabilities to buyers seeking a top-tier multifunctional fighter.
The Su-57E combines stealth, high maneuverability, and formidable firepower, catering to various combat missions in modern conflict zones. With a maximum take-off weight of 34,000 kg, the Su-57E is classified as a heavy fighter, optimized for a range of air-to-air, ground, and sea operations. Its stealth features, including a reduced radar, infrared, and visual signature, allow it to penetrate defended areas and engage targets with minimal detection, making it a powerful tool for offensive and intelligence-gathering missions in contested environments.
The Su-57E is powered by two engines delivering 14,500 kg of thrust each, giving it the capability to reach a maximum speed of 1,350 km/h near ground level and a flight range of up to 7,800 km with in-flight refueling. This combination of speed and range allows the Su-57E to undertake extended missions and respond rapidly to threats. The aircraft is highly maneuverable, thanks to advanced thrust-vectoring technology that enables it to perform complex aerial maneuvers, which are crucial for close air combat and evasion. Its supermaneuverability and ability to cruise at supersonic speeds without afterburners provide tactical flexibility, allowing it to approach distant targets efficiently and evade enemy defenses at lower altitudes.
The Su-57E also stands out for its extensive and versatile weapons-carrying capabilities, equipped with 12 hard points, including six internal fuselage hard points that preserve its stealth profile. This configuration allows it to carry a diverse combat load, including air-to-air missiles, bombs, and advanced precision-guided munitions. The Su-57E can be armed with Russia’s high-precision “Long Arm” weapons, enabling long-range engagement against air and ground targets. Its multichannel weapon control system is adaptable to various mission profiles, facilitating smooth transitions between different engagement scenarios and enhancing its role as a true multirole fighter.
The Su-57E’s avionics suite is engineered to withstand electronic warfare (EW) threats and is equipped with jam-resistant systems that allow the fighter to operate effectively even in high-electromagnetic interference environments. This ensures reliable targeting, navigation, and communication in contested zones, maintaining operational capability despite hostile EW attacks. Automation is also a significant feature of the Su-57E, with advanced systems that reduce pilot workload, enabling effective mission management and quick adaptation to dynamic combat scenarios. This high level of automation and the aircraft’s comprehensive combat management capabilities allow the pilot to focus on critical tasks, with the onboard systems handling much of the complex threat detection and response activities.
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Sukhoi Design Bureau have positioned the Su-57E to meet the needs of countries seeking a capable 5th-generation fighter without the constraints of Western platforms. The Su-57E is designed for 24/7 operations in high-intensity environments, providing a resilient and adaptable platform that can handle various mission requirements. This high-performance aircraft is poised to attract interest from countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, especially those looking for advanced, cost-effective alternatives to Western fighters such as the F-35 or F-15EX.
With its combination of stealth, powerful engines, extensive weaponry, and high-tech avionics, the Su-57E represents a significant advancement in Russian aerospace technology. Its debut at AirShow China 2024 highlights Russia’s intent to capture a larger share of the global defense market by offering a sophisticated and versatile 5th-generation fighter. As the Su-57E enters the export market, international defense officials are closely watching its performance, both in demonstrations and in any future operational deployments.
AirShow China 2024 is an ideal platform for Russia to showcase the Su-57E’s capabilities, positioning it as a formidable option for countries seeking to upgrade their aerial combat capabilities with a state-of-the-art fighter solution.