Another powerful African country welcomes Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter after Algeria made history as first operator

Egypt has become the second African country to host Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, following Algeria’s earlier acquisition of the aircraft.

Another powerful African country welcomes Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter after Algeria made history as first operator

Another powerful African country welcomes Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter after Algeria made history as first operator. Pavel Pavlov/Getty Images

Egypt has become the second African country to host Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, following Algeria’s earlier acquisition of the aircraft.

  • The Su-57 arrived in Egypt ahead of the El Alamein International Airshow, where Russia will showcase the jet alongside new advanced weapon systems.
  • Russia continues to display the Su-57 at international airshows to boost export interest and compete in the global fighter market.
  • Egypt has become the second African country to host Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter, following Algeria's earlier acquisition.
  • Despite limited deployment compared to US and Chinese rivals, Russia promotes the Su-57's combat experience, lower maintenance, and independence from Western suppliers.

The fifth-generation fighter landed in Egypt on September 7 ahead of the El Alamein International Airshow, which runs from September 8 to September 10.

Russia is expected to display the aircraft alongside new weapons that have not previously been shown publicly, including advanced air-to-air missiles and precision-guided strike systems.

The appearance makes Egypt the second African military power after Algeria to publicly engage with Russia’s Su-57 fighter programme.

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Algeria leads Africa’s Su-57 push

Algeria became the first African country to receive the Su-57 after taking delivery of two aircraft in late 2025, becoming the first export customer of Russia’s fifth-generation fighter.

The Algerian Air Force has maintained close defence ties with Moscow for decades and operates several Russian-made aircraft, including Su-30 fighters.

Russia has also confirmed that at least one other foreign customer has signed a contract for the fighter, although it has not disclosed the buyer.

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Russia showcases advanced weapons in Egypt

Beyond the Su-57, Russia’s state defence corporation Rostec is using the El Alamein International Airshow to promote its wider military technology portfolio.

Rostec’s High Precision Weapons division is showcasing the Pantsir-S1M integrated air defence system, which combines missiles and artillery to counter threats including cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and high-speed aerial targets.

The system is complemented by the fixed Pantsir-SMD-E platform, designed primarily to defend against large-scale drone attacks.

Moscow expands fighter diplomacy

The Egyptian appearance follows previous international displays of the Su-57 as Russia seeks to attract foreign buyers.

The aircraft made its first appearance at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025 before appearing at Aero India 2025 and the Zhuhai Airshow in China in 2024.

At the El Alamein event, the Su-57 is expected to be among the main attractions alongside China’s J-16 fighter.

The exhibition does not feature some Western fighters, including the US F-35 and F-15EX, or China’s fifth-generation aircraft such as the J-20 and J-35.