Russia has showcased the export version of its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 in Egypt, alongside a range of new aviation weapons and unmanned platforms. The Su-57E is the focal point of Russia’s initiative to showcase its most recent combat aviation technologies to international consumers, as indicated by the presentation.
According to Rostec, the Su-57E is being presented in Egypt with what the corporation describes as fundamentally new weapon systems. The Russians are also emphasizing the fighter’s combat experience, supermaneuverability, and low observability.
“Characteristics of the flagship Su-57 fighter of the Russian Aerospace Forces have been confirmed in real combat conditions. The aircraft continues to be improved,” a Rostec representative said in El Alamein.
Performance Estimates of the Su-57E
The Su-57E is capable of a maximum take-off weight of 35,000 kilograms and a maximum speed of 2,600 km/h, according to Russia. Its combat radius is approximately 1,500 kilometers, and its practical service ceiling is specified at 20,000 meters.
The aircraft is outfitted with an electro-optical detection system and an active electronically scanned array radar. The purpose of these systems is to enable the fighter to detect, track, and engage targets while maintaining its low-observable characteristics.
The Egyptian airshow is also offering Russia the chance to showcase the aircraft’s aerodynamic capabilities. The Su-57 has been incorporated into the event’s flying itinerary for each of the three days.
On September 8, Sergey Bogdan, a Sukhoi test pilot, executed a series of sophisticated aerobatic maneuvers to showcase the aircraft’s capacity to perform high-angle and high-energy maneuvers with engines that are equipped with thrust-vectoring capability.
Thrust Vectoring at the Centre of the Flying Display
The extreme manoeuvres performed by the Su-57 are closely connected with the capabilities of its powerplant and flight-control systems. Rostec provided information regarding the operation of the fighter’s engines during difficult aerobatic maneuvers shortly prior to the Egyptian airshow.
The aircraft’s AL-41F1 engines enable it to execute maneuvers that necessitate a brief hovering-like state at the summit of a vertical climb and a reduction to near-zero forward speed. The engines are reportedly operating at maximum thrust during these maneuvers, and the hot section temperatures can reach as high as 2,000°C.
Russia says the ability to execute these demanding manoeuvres demonstrates the reliability of the propulsion system, as well as the effectiveness of its automated control systems.
Moscow also portrays supermaneuverability as a potential operational asset, rather than merely an airshow capability. One potential approach to evading incoming missiles, as per Rostec, is the implementation of intricate maneuvers, particularly at low altitude.
New Weapons Displayed Alongside the Fighter
The Su-57E’s appearance in Egypt is being accompanied by a substantial display of Russian aviation weapons. The RVV-MD2 and RVV-BD air-to-air missiles, as well as the Kh-38MLE, Kh-69, and Kh-58USHKE, are all featured in the static exhibition.
The objective of the combination is to showcase the diverse spectrum of weapons that are associated with Russia’s contemporary combat aircraft, which encompass a variety of engagement roles and target sets.
The S-71M and S-71K low-observable unmanned platforms are also on display in Russia. These systems have been designed to operate in conjunction with fifth-generation fighters, which is indicative of the increasing emphasis on the integration of crewed aircraft with unmanned platforms.
These systems have the potential to increase the number of sensors and weapons that a fighter formation has at its disposal while also enabling the manned aircraft to operate at a greater distance from potential threats.
‘Dan-T’ Makes International Debut
The new “Dan-T” jet-powered loitering munition is one of the most closely observed weapons at the exhibition. Designed to be launched from both Russian and foreign aircraft and helicopters, Rostec refers to it as a “fire-and-forget” weapon.
The weapon is designed to strike targets at a distance of hundreds of kilometers and is equipped with a compact jet engine. Dan-T is capable of employing a specialized flight mode that is specifically designed to evade hostile air-defence systems, as per the Russian corporation.
The munition has successfully concluded a testing cycle as an aviation weapon, according to Rostec. The corporation also asserts that its effectiveness has been demonstrated through hundreds of successful launches against targets during Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, which Moscow officially refers to as the special military operation.
The assertion is a component of Russia’s overarching initiative to promote combat-proven systems to international clients. Rostec anticipates that the weapon will generate substantial interest among international purchasers.
Egypt Becomes Showcase for Russia’s Combat Aviation Portfolio
The T-50, the ninth prototype aircraft of the PAK FA program, was sent to the overseas airshow with the identification number “509” by Sukhoi. The Su-57E is being represented by the aircraft during the event.
The significance of the appearance is that Egypt has been an important venue for international defense and aviation manufacturers seeking access to markets in Africa, the Middle East, and beyond for a long time. Rather than merely promoting a singular fighter, Russia is presenting an integrated combat aviation ecosystem by integrating the Su-57E with missiles, loitering weapons, and unmanned platforms.
The aircraft’s combat experience, advanced maneuverability, and compatibility with new armaments are also intended to illustrate the ongoing evolution of Russia’s fifth-generation fighter program.
Major International Presence at El Alamein
The El Alamein International Airshow 2026 is taking place from September 8 to 10, bringing together delegations from more than 80 countries. The United States is among the main international aerospace and defense participants at the event.
The US has brought an exhibition involving more than 25 companies, with aircraft including the F-16, F-15E, A-10, and C-130. The Egyptian airshow is of greater significance than merely an aviation exhibition due to the presence of aircraft and defense corporations from competing aerospace powers.
In light of this, Russia’s Su-57E display is intended to present its most recent fighter, weapons, and unmanned systems to a global audience. The El Alamein airshow offers Moscow a conspicuous platform to promote the Su-57E and its expanding portfolio of associated combat systems, as the aircraft performs daily flying demonstrations and new weapons are displayed simultaneously.