Russia's Su-57 Fighter Jet Steals the Show at Zhuhai Air Show

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: ashen@newsobahrain.com

Zhuhai, China – Russia's Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet has captured the spotlight at the prestigious Zhuhai Air Show, a high-profile international aerospace event in China. The Su-57, part of Russia’s Sukhoi group of fighter jets, was the star attraction at the show, where China showcased a range of its new military aircraft, including its latest stealth fighters and drones.

The Su-57, a twin-engine fighter equipped with advanced stealth features, marks a significant step for Russia in expanding its aerospace capabilities. Alexander Mikheyev, CEO of Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, revealed at the event that the Su-57 has already secured its first export contracts. "We have already signed the first contracts for the Su-57," Mikheyev told Russia's official news agency TASS on Wednesday.

The Su-57, often described as Russia’s answer to the West’s F-35, is now positioned to enter international markets, with foreign customers showing interest in its capabilities. The fighter jet has drawn comparisons to other fifth-generation fighters, including China's J-35, which was also unveiled at the Zhuhai show.

At the event, China’s military presented its new J-35A stealth fighter for the first time. The J-35, designed for carrier operations, is China’s latest attempt to compete in the fifth-generation aircraft race. Additionally, the Chinese military showcased the J-15T fighter, designed specifically for catapult launches from aircraft carriers.

Sergey Bogdan, Russia's test pilot who flew the Su-57 at Zhuhai, took the opportunity to assert the superiority of the Russian fighter over all other existing fifth-generation fighters, including China’s J-35. "The Su-57 surpasses all existing counterparts in the world," Bogdan claimed, emphasizing that Russia's military aircraft "always boast a competitive edge."

The Zhuhai Air Show, which opened on Tuesday and continues through November 17, has become a key platform for showcasing cutting-edge military technology, with both Russia and China vying for dominance in the global arms market. While China’s new fighter aircraft garnered attention, the Su-57’s presence at the show has underscored Russia’s continued strength in advanced fighter jet development.

As the air show continues, the global aerospace community is keenly observing the developments from both nations, as they push forward with their next-generation fighter programs. The Su-57, with its stealth features and cutting-edge technology, is expected to play a key role in Russia’s future defense exports, as it seeks to expand its influence in the global arms market.