Russia showcases Su-57 fighter jet prototypes at Airshow China 2024

Russia has dispatched two prototypes of its advanced Su-57 fighter jet to China for the forthcoming Airshow China 2024, scheduled from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai.

This marks the initial visit of the Su-57, commonly referred to as “Felon” by NATO, and represents the inaugural Russian military aircraft designed with fifth-generation stealth technology. Notably, the Su-57 is competing with China’s J-35A, which is set to debut at the same event, as well as China’s operational J-20 stealth fighter that has served since 2017.

According to the report by Newsweek, the aircraft made a fuel stop in Taiyuan, Shanxi, before its arrival. Sergey Bogdan, the chief test pilot from Sukhoi, piloted one of the prototypes, while the other was transported via cargo plane.

Despite its technological advancements, initial public reception included negative comments regarding its visible surface blemishes and mechanical issues, such as inability of the weapons bay doors to close fully. Although the Su-57 prototypes were subjected to scrutiny, they are currently non-representative of the final production models.

Challenges concerning the Su-57 production have been exacerbated by Western sanctions imposed after the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Reports indicated that the sanctions hindered the availability of critical electronic components needed for production. Russia aims to procure a total of 76 Su-57 jets by 2028. This development arrives in the context of Russia’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine, where reports have circulated regarding operational deployment of Su-57 aircraft.

The venture also drew attention due to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to a Su-57 manufacturing facility during his visit to Russia, where he expressed support for President Vladimir Putin’s military initiatives.