Any major sale of Russian Su-57 fifth-generation fighters to Middle Eastern countries could significantly alter the regional balance of power, according to a report by Military Watch Magazine (MWM).
This assessment follows recent statements by Anton Alikhanov, Russia’s Minister of Industry and Trade, at the "INNOPROM. Saudi Arabia" exhibition in Riyadh. Alikhanov confirmed to reporters that Middle Eastern countries are showing strong interest in the Su-57E, and revealed that several contracts have already been signed.
Currently, Israel remains the sole operator of fifth-generation fighters in the region. However, MWM points out that F-35I fighters are reportedly not fully equipped for high-intensity combat because they currently lack the essential "Block 4" software upgrades. This technological gap is expected to persist until the early 2030s.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Alex Beltyukov\Creative Commons 3.0
Based on materials from TASS