What You Need to Know: Russia’s Su-57 Felon showcased at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition has sparked speculation about potential buyers.
-Although the Kremlin claimed the aircraft impressed attendees and secured "first contracts" for an export version, China is an unlikely customer. With its domestically built fifth-gen J-20 and J-35 fighters and a sixth-gen demonstrator in the works, Beijing has little reason to pursue the Su-57.
-Moscow has sought buyers in Algeria, India, Malaysia, and Turkey without confirmed deals. Algeria, rumored to operate a Su-57 already, remains the most probable buyer amidst ongoing efforts by Russia to attract foreign interest.
Despite the very public mockery that Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name Felon) received on social media last week, the fifth-generation stealth aircraft still impressed crowds at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition. Or at least Russian officials are claiming those in attendance were impressed.
"The Su-57's international debut in China was striking and clearly demonstrates our strong commitment to this area," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told state media outlet Tass on Wednesday.
Zakharova further stressed that military experts "praised" the Su-57's "unmatched capabilities," when it took part in an........