Algeria has confirmed the acquisition of Russian Su-57 Felon fighters, becoming the first international customer for this fourth-generation aircraft despite questionable stealth performance and flight characteristics. The announcement was made through Algerian state television, which revealed that Algerian pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia, with deliveries expected to begin later this year.
Under the current state of the Su-57 (PAK-FA) programme, Sukhoi Design Bureau has identified numerous issues with the aircraft, including immature flight control system, avionics, no AESA radar, no sensor fusions and erroneous engine control system.
The aircraft is currently fitted with Soviet-era Irbis-E PESA radar and Su-35’s cockpit displays system. The Su-57 lacks helmet mounted display system. RT news broadcast shows, Russian test pilot is using Soviet-era MiG-29 aircraft’s helmet.
The Sukhoi Su-57 was often criticized by experts for many features that could degrade the low observability such as rivets, weapon doors’, engine nacelles’ and air inlets’ rounded shaping, rough panel’s seamlines, etc. Some of those problems are yet to be mitigated in later prototypes.
This deal comes as no surprise, given Algeria’s long-standing relationship with Russia, its primary supplier of military equipment. The country already possesses a range of Russian military hardware, including Su-30MKA fighters, MiG-29s, and S-300 air defense systems. The addition of the Su-57 will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Algerian Air Force, further consolidating the country’s position as one of Africa’s air forces.
While the specific terms of the Algerian deal remain confidential, it has been indicated that the export version of the Su-57 will be “significantly cheaper” than its Western counterparts, particularly the F-35.
This acquisition is part of Algeria’s ongoing military modernization efforts, aiming to maintain regional air superiority and strengthen its defense capabilities. The first Su-57s are expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
Moscow has long sought to expand the Su-57’s presence in international markets, with attempts to attract countries like China and India.
The Su-57, referred to by NATO as “Felon,” is a multi-role aircraft developed by Soukhoï. It made its first flight in 2010 and entered service in 2020. With a unit cost of approximately 90 million dollars, the Su-57 is designed for various missions.
The Su-57 is powered by two turbofan engines with afterburners and vector thrust nozzles, which provide exceptional maneuverability. The current version uses the Saturn AL-41 engines, generating 149 kN of thrust each. These engines enable the Su-57 to reach a maximum speed of Mach 2 and have a range of 1,200 km, offering over 5 hours of flight time.
The aircraft has a length of 19.7 meters, a wingspan of 14 meters, and a height of 4.8 meters. It weighs 18,500 kg empty and can carry up to 37,000 kg, including fuel and mission equipment. With a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.07, the Su-57 is designed for exceptional aerial maneuvers. The aircraft can also operate at altitudes of up to 20,000 meters, with a climb rate of 21,000 meters per minute.
© 2025, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
