Russia is attempting to drum up Arab interest in the Su-57 Felon through impressive aerial displays in the skies over Dubai.

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russia’s state-run military aviation conglomerate, announced that Hero of Russia test pilot Sergey Bogdan, the chief pilot of the Sukhoi Design Bureau, was at the controls of the Sukhoi Su-57E (NATO reporting name “Felon”) at this week’s Dubai Airshow 2025, which kicked off on Monday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

That display marked the third appearance of the Su-57 at the largest Middle Eastern air show, but was the first time it included an aerial demonstration of the export model of the Russian fifth-generation stealth fighter.

The Su-57’s Incredible Capabilities on Display in Dubai

Bogdan performed a dynamic flight display with the Felon, highlighting its super-maneuverability as well as its combat capabilities. For the first time in a public display, the Su-57E also opened its internal weapons bay, which was equipped with mock-ups of the Kh-58 anti-radiation missile and R-74M2 air-to-air missile. The model presented at the air show was also outfitted with new 2D thrust-vectoring flat nozzles for the AL-51F-1 engine. The nozzles were developed to reduce the aircraft’s radar and infrared signatures.

Once back on the ground, the test pilot was quick to praise the capabilities of the Su-57, notably its super-maneuverability, which is what often makes the aircraft a crowd-pleaser at air shows around the world.

“Our aerobatics program is centered on showcasing super-maneuverability. The Su-57 is equipped with two engines featuring controlled thrust vectoring, enabling it to execute maneuvers at near-zero speeds, extreme angles of attack, and spins. These capabilities can provide a significant edge in aerial combat,” Bogdan told reports, according to state news agency TASS.

The Hero of Russia recipient further suggested that even in the modern era of aerial tactics, where combat is often well beyond visual range, the Su-57 offers advantages over other aircraft. That includes its ability to “remain under control” in any mode.

“This feature is vital for pilots because it allows them to operate without distraction, focusing on mission objectives rather than flight stability concerns,” said Bogdan, adding that it makes for a safer aircraft. “In conventional fighters or bombers, pilots must constantly monitor flight parameters to avoid losing control. The Su-57, however, ensures it never does.”

Russia Continues to Seek Foreign Buyers for the Felon

It was just over a year ago that the Su-57E received far less than a hero’s welcome when it arrived in advance of the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition. The fighter was widely derided on Chinese social media, and unfavorable comparisons were made to China’s domestically-built Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon even before the show began. The impressive flight demonstrations of the J-20 and the debut of the Shenyang J-35 overshadowed the Russian fighter entirely.

Last February, the Su-57E was also presented at Aero India 2025, marking its debut appearance at the show. UAC and Rosoboronexport had been pitching the Felon to foreign buyers, notably India. To date, Algeria remains the only country to have stepped up and signed a contract for the fighter.

Taking the Su-57E to Dubai is clearly another attempt to drum up interest.

“Starved of many options to showcase the products of its aerospace and defense industries on the global stage, Russia has seized the opportunity in Dubai to display a wide portfolio of systems,” AIN reported.

It is unclear if the latest presentation will move the needle, but Russia is already claiming victory.

“Negotiations with several foreign countries on supplying Su-57 aircraft are also planned during the Dubai Airshow 2025,” Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Director Dmitry Shugayev also told TASS. “We can say that there is sustained interest in the fighter jet from foreign countries.”

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

Image: Shutterstock / Vladimir Vozdvizhenskiy.

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