The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in 2025 has once again become a focal point for Russia’s defense industry, with Rosoboronexport, the state arms exporter, providing updated details on its flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57. Dubbed “Felon” by NATO, this multi-role aircraft represents Russia’s answer to the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, aiming to blend air superiority, ground attack, and suppression of air defense capabilities into a single, highly advanced platform. The presentation at LIMA underscores Russia’s persistent efforts to market the Su-57 on the global stage, despite ongoing challenges in its production and operational deployment.
Rosoboronexport emphasized the Su-57’s core attributes, beginning with its stealth characteristics. While not designed with the same ‘all-aspect’ stealth philosophy as its American counterparts, the Su-57 incorporates significant low-observable features. This includes a radar-absorbing coating, extensive use of composite materials (making up approximately 25% of the structure), and critically, internal weapons bays. These bays are essential for maintaining a reduced radar cross-section, eliminating the drag and radar reflectivity of external stores. The aircraft’s overall shaping, with its blended wing-body fuselage and canard-like movable tail planes, also contributes to its stealth profile, though some Western analysts continue to debate the effectiveness of its stealth compared to the F-22 or F-35, pointing to visible rivets and panel gaps on early prototypes.
A significant update from Rosoboronexport at LIMA 2025 likely focused on the progress of the Su-57’s second-stage engine, the “Izdeliye 30” (or AL-51F). While initial production models and even some delivered to the Russian Aerospace Force have been powered by the interim AL-41F1 (Izdeliye 117) engines, the Izdeliye 30 is the definitive powerplant designed to unlock the Su-57’s full fifth-generation potential, particularly supercruise capability – sustained supersonic flight without the use of fuel-guzzling afterburners. Rosoboronexport reiterated that the Izdeliye 30 offers greater thrust and improved fuel efficiency, promising enhanced supercruise, increased maximum speed (up to Mach 2.0), and extended combat range, which are all critical for a true fifth-generation fighter. Reports suggest that the engine is now ready, tested, and prepared for standard installation, although the full transition of the operational fleet will take time.
The Su-57’s sensor suite is another area of particular emphasis. It features a sophisticated integrated avionics system, including an advanced N036 Byelka Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar in the nose, complemented by side-looking X-band AESA radars and L-band radars embedded in the leading edges of the wings for broader angular coverage and the detection of stealth targets. This multi-spectral sensor fusion, often referred to as an “intelligent skin,” provides 360-degree situational awareness around the aircraft. Combined with a comprehensive electronic warfare (EW) suite, active decoys, and infrared countermeasures, the Su-57 aims to detect, track, and engage targets while remaining highly resistant to enemy electronic attacks. The pilot benefits from a fully glass cockpit, large-screen displays, a head-up display, and a helmet-mounted vision system, designed to reduce workload and enhance tactical awareness. Future upgrades are planned to include advanced AI integration, voice, and eye controls, and the ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the S-70 Okhotnik.
In terms of armament, the Su-57 boasts two large tandem internal weapons bays between the engine nacelles, capable of carrying a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions while maintaining stealth. For air-to-air combat, it can internally carry up to four R-77M (RVV-SD) beyond-visual-range missiles and two K-74M2 (RVV-MD2) short-range, infrared-guided missiles in smaller wing-root bays. The K-74M2 is optimized for internal carriage and features a new seeker for enhanced performance. For ground attack, the Su-57 can carry a range of precision-guided munitions, including Kh-38MLE, Kh-58UShKE anti-radiation missiles, Kh-69 cruise missiles, and various guided bombs. Additionally, six external pylons are available for carrying heavier or non-stealthy ordnance when mission profiles permit. A GSh-30-1 30mm cannon is also integrated for close-range engagements.
Rosoboronexport also highlighted the Su-57’s combat experience, noting its limited deployment in the conflict in Ukraine. Russian sources claim the aircraft has carried out strike missions, suppressed air defenses, and, in some unverified instances, engaged enemy aircraft. However, Western intelligence and independent analysts generally assess that its role has been limited, primarily involving standoff missile launches from within Russian-controlled airspace to avoid direct exposure to Ukrainian air defenses. There have been claims of at least one Su-57 being damaged in a drone attack on a Russian airbase, which Russia has not officially confirmed. Despite these claims, Russia emphasizes that the Su-57 is the first non-US 5th generation fighter to have been tested in real combat situations, seeking to validate its capabilities.
For the export market, Rosoboronexport presented the Su-57E variant. Russia’s state-owned TASS news agency, citing the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, stated that the first foreign customer of the Su-57E would begin operating the aircraft in 2025. While Russia has not officially named the customer, Algeria is widely speculated to be the initial recipient, reportedly acquiring six units with options for more as part of its broader military modernization program. This would be a significant breakthrough for Russia, providing an alternative fifth-generation platform to nations potentially unwilling or unable to acquire Western F-35s. Rosoboronexport has aggressively marketed the Su-57E at various air shows, including in Egypt, China, and India, aiming to attract buyers by emphasizing its supermaneuverability, ability to operate from short runways, multirole versatility, and a claimed lower maintenance cost compared to Western rivals. However, the program has faced challenges, including production delays and the impact of Western sanctions, which could limit its broader export success beyond traditional Russian clients. The Su-57 continues to evolve, with future iterations, potentially designated Su-57M, expected to integrate even more advanced avionics, modernised cockpits, and increased automation, incorporating artificial intelligence and advanced pilot assistance systems.
