Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet has arrived in Egypt ahead of the El Alamein International Airshow, which takes place from 8 to 10 September 2026, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced on social media. The aircraft landed on 7 September, becoming the first fifth-generation fighter jet to land on Egyptian soil.
The Su-57’s arrival in Egypt is seen as an important step in Russia’s efforts to promote its next-generation fighter to a wider audience across Middle Eastern and African markets.
Su-57 to be displayed with new weapons at El Alamein
Russia is expected to highlight the Su-57 at the El Alamein International Airshow not only through its flight demonstrations but also by showcasing its weapons and mission capabilities.
The Su-57 displayed at the show is expected to be equipped with several new weapons not previously unveiled to the public, as well as advanced air-to-air missiles and precision-guided strike weapons.
During rehearsal flights over Egypt ahead of the airshow, the aircraft was seen performing low-altitude passes and banking maneuvers. The demonstrations will give Russia an opportunity to showcase the Su-57’s high maneuverability and multi-role capabilities directly to potential customers and defense officials.
Su-57’s presence at international airshows grows
The Su-57’s appearance at El Alamein also highlights the fighter’s growing presence at international airshows. The aircraft has previously been showcased at the Zhuhai Airshow in China in November 2024, Aero India 2025, and the Dubai Airshow in November 2025.
The fighter’s increased participation in international airshows is seen as a sign of growing confidence in the Su-57 program’s maturity and intensified efforts to secure export customers for the aircraft in international markets.
Su-57 and J-16 set to stand out at El Alamein
With high-performance Western fighter jets such as the F-15EX and F-35, as well as China’s fifth-generation fighters, absent from the El Alamein International Airshow, the Su-57 is expected to be one of the event’s most prominent combat aircraft.
China’s J-16 fighter is also expected to attract attention at the show, while the Su-57 is likely to draw visitors with its fifth-generation design and advanced weapons.
Su-57 receives first export deliveries
Russia took a major step towards establishing the Su-57 on the export market in late 2025. According to Russian sources, two Su-57s were delivered to the Algerian Air Force, marking the aircraft’s first export deliveries.
Russian sources also confirmed that at least one other foreign customer signed a contract for the Su-57 during the same year.
The developments indicate that Moscow continues to seek to transform the Su-57 from a platform operated exclusively by Russia into a fighter with a broader international customer base.