Russia Seeks Gulf Partners for Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Production

Russia Seeks Arab Partners: At the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, announced that it is in discussions with Arab nations to produce a fifth-generation fighter jet jointly.

The statement, made during one of the Middle East’s most significant defense expos, highlights how Russia seeks Gulf partners to expand its presence in a region traditionally dominated by Western defense suppliers.

However, while the announcement generated buzz, key details remain unclear—most notably, which aircraft is being discussed and whether there is genuine interest from Gulf nations.

Russia’s Pitch: Su-57 or Su-75?

Rosoboronexport’s Director General, Alexander Mikheev, revealed that consultations with Middle Eastern partners revolve around the “joint development” of advanced avionics, onboard systems, and foreign air weapons integration.

His remarks suggest that Russia is offering a co-production arrangement that would allow Arab states to participate in shaping a next-generation combat aircraft. While this may appeal to nations seeking greater defense autonomy, the feasibility of such a venture remains questionable.

Russia has two fifth-generation fighter designs: the Su-57, a twin-engine stealth aircraft already in limited service with the Russian Aerospace Forces, and the Su-75 Checkmate, a lighter, single-engine jet still in the prototype phase.

Unlike the Su-57, which has seen limited export interest, the Su-75 has been heavily marketed as an affordable alternative to the American F-35. Moscow has aggressively pitched the Checkmate to international buyers, portraying it as a customizable platform free from Western political strings.

This is not the first time Russia has attempted to involve Gulf nations in its fighter jet programs. In 2021, the United Arab Emirates was rumored to be considering investment in the Su-75 project after Russia showcased a full-scale mock-up at the Dubai Airshow.

However, by 2022, the interest appeared to have faded. Western diplomatic pressure, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the UAE’s focus on acquiring F-35s from the U.S. likely contributed to the decision to step back. Today, no Arab country has publicly confirmed participation in any joint fighter jet development with Russia, raising doubts about the sincerity or viability of the negotiations.

Russia’s Fighter Jet Sales to Iran and Algeria

While Gulf nations have remained hesitant, Russia has found some success in exporting fighter jets to other regions. One of the most notable cases is Iran, which has been seeking to modernize its air force for years.

Tehran has shown interest in acquiring Su-35 fighter jets, a fourth-generation aircraft that, while not a stealth fighter, offers advanced radar, supermaneuverability, and the ability to carry heavy weapons.

Reports of a possible Su-35 sale to Iran first emerged in 2022, and by 2023, unconfirmed sources suggested that deliveries may have begun despite international sanctions. Iran sees the Su-35 as a means to strengthen its air capabilities in response to U.S.-supplied aircraft used by regional adversaries such as Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Algeria, another key Russian defense customer, has been linked to a potential acquisition of Su-57 stealth fighters. The country has long relied on Soviet and Russian aircraft, from MiG-29s to Su-30s, and has been searching for a next-generation fighter to maintain its air superiority over regional rivals like Morocco.

Speculation about an Algerian Su-57 order first appeared in 2020, with Russian defense sources hinting that a contract was in the works. However, as of early 2025, no official confirmation has been made. If Algeria were to purchase the Su-57, it would become the first foreign operator of the aircraft, marking a major milestone for Russia’s stealth fighter program.

Despite these sales, there is a clear difference between exporting aircraft and securing a long-term, joint development deal with Gulf nations. Iran and Algeria are buying existing aircraft, whereas Russia’s offer to Arab states involves co-producing an entirely new fighter jet.

This presents significantly greater risks, requiring substantial financial investment, long-term commitments, and the political willingness to align with Moscow despite Western opposition.

Challenges in Securing a Russian-Arab Fighter Jet Partnership

While Rosoboronexport has positioned its offer as an opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to gain greater defense independence, several factors make a successful deal unlikely. One major challenge is geopolitical reality.

Most Gulf nations have strong military ties with the United States and other Western allies, making it difficult to justify partnering with Russia—especially given ongoing sanctions on Moscow’s defense sector.

Purchasing U.S. or European aircraft not only ensures access to cutting-edge technology but also strengthens political alliances, something that cannot be overlooked in a region where security relationships are paramount.

Sanctions are another key obstacle. Russia’s arms industry has been heavily targeted by Western restrictions since its invasion of Ukraine, limiting its ability to secure international financing, procure high-tech components, and integrate Western-made weapons into its aircraft. Any Arab nation that partners with Russia risks facing economic and diplomatic repercussions, making such a deal far less attractive.

The final challenge is Russia’s own ability to deliver. While the Su-57 has been operational for a few years, it has yet to achieve mass production or major export success. The Su-75, on the other hand, remains in the prototype stage with no concrete timeline for serial production.

This raises concerns about whether Russia can fulfill its promises in a timely and cost-effective manner, especially as its defense industry continues to be stretched by the demands of the Ukraine conflict.

For now, Moscow’s claim of ongoing talks with Arab nations about joint fighter jet production remains unverified. The lack of public confirmation from Gulf governments suggests that these discussions may be more aspirational than concrete.

While Russia continues to push for a greater role in the Middle East’s defense industry, past experience shows that Gulf states are likely to remain cautious, prioritizing proven Western suppliers over uncertain Russian ventures. Until official agreements emerge, the prospect of a Russian-Arab fifth-generation fighter jet partnership remains little more than speculation.