Marta Gichko13:48, 25.05.25

Instead, the Russians brought only a model of their aircraft to the exhibition, convincing that it would begin operating in one of the countries this year.

The Russian fifth-generation fighter Su-57E did not appear at the LIMA 2025 international exhibition in Malaysia, despite official statements by Russian officials about the aircraft’s participation in the event.

Instead of a combat vehicle, only a mock-up was presented at the stand of the Russian United Aircraft Corporation. This is not the first time that Moscow has tried to promote an export version of the Su-57, but again to no avail, writes  EurAsian Times.

Despite the absence of the aircraft, Russian state media reported the “first foreign buyer” of the Su-57E, which is supposed to begin operating the aircraft in 2025. The country was not named, but Algeria is considered a likely candidate. However, neither Moscow nor Algeria has officially confirmed such a deal.

Malaysia doubts

Moscow has been actively linking the Su-57 to Malaysia’s Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) program, which began in 2009 to replace its aging MiG-29 fleet. However, despite initial interest, the Royal Malaysian Air Force has not made any headway in negotiations with Russia. The country is currently considering other options, including the South Korean KF-21, as well as used F/A-18 Hornet from Kuwait, although this project has also been left in the air.

In general, despite aggressive promotion, the Su-57E cannot boast of active demand even among countries that traditionally operate Russian equipment, in particular India and Malaysia.

India — also “no”

Russia is also trying to convince India to return to cooperation on a fifth-generation fighter. In February 2025, before the Aero India air show, the Russian side again offered New Delhi an export version of the Su-57E – with promises of local production and support for the Indian AMCA project. However, the Indian authorities, which withdrew from the FGFA (a joint project with Russia) in 2018, remain restrained.

Some Russian media outlets and bloggers have begun to promote the message that the Su-57 is capable of “outpacing” the Indian Air Force’s Rafale, citing unconfirmed losses of Indian aircraft in the conflict with Pakistan. However, these attempts have had little impact on New Delhi’s position.

Why doesn’t it fly?

The main problems with the Su-57E are production delays, questionable quality, limited capacity of Russian industry under sanctions, and Russia’s negative image on the international arms market. And while Russian officials continue to talk about “interest” in the aircraft, there are no real contracts, other than rumors.

The failure of the Su-57 demonstration in Malaysia only deepens the doubts of potential buyers – and undermines confidence in the “fifth generation” in Russian.

(c)UNIAN 2025