A two-seat version of the Su-57D is being prepared for release, and the first flight of the light Su-75 Checkmate is scheduled for early 2026.
The Dubai Airshow 2025 International Airshow confirmed Russia's status as one of the key suppliers of advanced aviation technologies. Against the background of reports about the delivery of the first export Su-57E to a foreign customer, news appeared about the imminent release of a two-seat modification of the Su-57D fighter. This model is of particular interest primarily for India. In addition, it was announced that the fifth-generation Su-75 Checkmate light fighter will make its maiden flight in early 2026. This opens up new prospects for Russian defense exports. The most interesting novelties shown in Dubai are described in the Izvestia article.
How are Russian fifth-generation aircraft developing
On November 21, the 19th Dubai International Airshow ended in Dubai (UAE). This is one of the most significant aerospace forums in the world. There are a huge number of exhibits in the pavilions and at the open-air exhibition, and an exciting flight program with demonstration flights of the Russian Su-57, the Russian Knights aerobatic team, the American F-35, etc.
The Russian fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft attracted the most attention. It was piloted by Honored Test Pilot of the Russian Federation, head of the Sukhoi Flight service, Hero of Russia Sergey Bogdan. In the sky over Dubai, he demonstrated some of the machine's capabilities. The audience and the press also saw for the first time the design of the cockpit, the location of two X-58USHKE anti–radar missiles in the internal armament compartment and the opening of the wing compartments for short-range R-74 air-to-air missiles.
Fifth-generation multirole fighter Su-57 during a performance at the airshow at the international aerospace exhibition Dubai Airshow 2025
Image source: Photo: REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
A special feature of fifth—generation aircraft is reduced radar visibility, including due to the internal placement of weapons. The Su-57 has separate streamlined compartments in the wing for short-range missiles for air combat. Thus, in addition to the special coating, a minimal stealth image of the aircraft is provided.
During the Dubai Airshow, the most important news on the export of Su-57 aircraft was announced — the first two Su-57Es were delivered to a foreign customer. According to public information, the aircraft were received by the Algerian Air Force. Probably, in the next few years, this country will be able to form a full-fledged squadron of 12 Su-57E aircraft. And then there may be supplies to other countries.
177C engine for Su-57 at the Dubai Airshow 2025 International Aviation and Space Exhibition
Image source: Photo: Rostec
The United Engine Corporation presented the latest 177C engine for the Su-57 in Dubai. It has a thrust of 14.5 tons and a three times longer service life compared to the AL-41F1 engine, which is currently being installed on these aircraft. With the new engine, the Su-57 will be able to maintain supersonic flight speed without turning on the afterburner, which significantly changes the capabilities of fighters. The 177C engines can be used on previously produced aircraft without any major improvements, and therefore, the remotorization of the fleet of previously produced Su-57s can take place in a short time.
During the Dubai Airshow, it also became known that in the coming months, a two-seat modification of the Su-57D fighter will be delivered to the wing. This model is of great interest to India, which was previously asked to resume cooperation on the fifth-generation Su-57 machine. There is a good chance that two variants of the Su-57 may be of interest to such a large and traditional customer of the Russian aviation industry.
The fifth-generation Su-75 Checkmate fighter jet, presented at the Dubai Airshow 2021 in Dubai
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Alexander Melnikov
The new fifth-generation Su-75 light fighter, which was presented at international exhibitions as Checkmate, will make its first flight in early 2026, Sergey Bogdan said at the Dubai Airshow. There are many expectations from him, they are related to the request for the operation of the aircraft from the front-line aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces, and from potential consumers of Russian aviation weapons abroad. So far, only mock-ups of the future fighter have been presented at exhibitions. It is likely that the flight vehicle will differ slightly from the usual types of this aircraft in the direction of maximizing radar visibility. In any case, rolling out a new combat vehicle for testing is an important event.
What other samples were presented at the exhibition
Rostec State Corporation's High-Precision Complexes Holding presented the latest Russian anti-aircraft systems at the Dubai Airshow 2025 exhibition halls. Many systems were demonstrated as models, but the Pantsir-SMD-E modular anti-aircraft missile and cannon system and a support launcher for the use of portable Dzhigit air defense systems were shown live.
Pantsir-SMD-E modular anti-aircraft missile and cannon system at the Dubai Airshow 2025 International Aviation and Space Exhibition
Image source: Photo: TASS/EPA/ALI HAIDER
The new Pantsir model is a mobile module without a wheelbase. It can be installed on the platform in exactly the location that needs to be protected. The complex is presented with new small-sized rockets, which can be up to 48 per module. If we are talking about fighting drones, then it is more appropriate to use such missiles — such ammunition can hit any modern drone, and the cost of reduced missiles is significantly lower than standard ones. This is exactly the solution that can be used to counter UAV attacks.
The latest missile for equipping Russian and any other X-UAV drones was also shown. This is an upgraded product, similar in design to the Cornet-type ATGMs. Their use has been tested on large Orion-type reconnaissance and attack drones of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
X-UAV rocket at the Dubai Airshow 2025 International Aviation and Space Exhibition
Image source: Photo: TASS/Sofia Savitskaya
Of course, the use of X-UAV missiles and Pantsir-type complexes has been tested and tested in real combat during a special military operation.
Almost the entire galaxy of Russian tactical reconnaissance UAVs also took part in the air show. The Outpost-RE, Supercam S350, Orlan-10 and Orlan-30 vehicles were shown. ZALA presented export versions of its products at the exhibition: Lancet-E barrage ammunition and the latest "Product-51E", "Product-51E-IK", "Product-52E", "Product-52E-IK". These are variants of barrage ammunition and the further development of the famous Lancet kamikaze drone with different guidance systems and with different ranges.
Orlan-10 UAV at the Dubai Airshow 2025 International Aviation and Space Exhibition
Image source: Photo: TASS/Sofia Savitskaya
As part of the Dubai Airshow 2025, the Russian defense industry showed that it is developing the creation of samples in all basic areas of aviation technology — manned and unmanned, strike and reconnaissance, multi-purpose and specialized. And most importantly, we are ready to supply all this to any consumers.
Dmitry Kornev
