Russia Unveils Su-57E with Flat Nozzles at Dubai Airshow 2025

Defense Feeds – Su-57E with Flat Nozzles took center stage as Russia made a strong impression at the Dubai Airshow 2025 by unveiling its export-ready fifth-generation stealth fighter.

Flown nonstop from Russia by veteran test pilot Sergei Bogdan, the aircraft immediately became a focal point of global attention. A

longside the flying display, Russia presented a detailed static model showcasing the Su-57E’s newly developed two-dimensional (2D) thrust-vectoring flat nozzles, signaling major advancements in stealth technology and propulsion efficiency.

The Dubai showcase underscored Russia’s growing ambition to capture the Asian and Middle Eastern fighter markets, positioning the Su-57E with Flat Nozzles as a modern, cost-effective challenger to Western fifth-generation jets.

Advanced Flat Nozzles: A Leap in Stealth and Maneuverability

The Su-57E’s newly revealed flat nozzles mark a major step forward from previous Russian designs.

Unlike older round-axis 3D thrust-vectoring configurations, the flat, serrated nozzles reduce radar visibility while managing heat emissions more efficiently. 

This configuration helps scatter incoming radar waves and reduces the aircraft’s heat signature, a key advantage for operating in today’s heavily monitored air combat environments.

The exhibit highlighted a design with four dynamic flaps, where two function best at lower speeds and two at supersonic conditions, providing accurate vector control for high-agility flight.

While the flat nozzles reduce thrust by 5–10%, analysts agree the trade-off is worthwhile for improved stealth and cooling. 

With AL-51F-1 engines producing around 110 kN of dry thrust and 180 kN with afterburners, the Su-57E can supercruise at Mach 1.6 and reach top speeds near Mach 2. 

Combined with Russia’s leading-edge vortex controllers (LEVCONs), the aircraft can perform extreme maneuvers, including post-stall spins and thrust-assisted turns comparable to the F-22 Raptor.

Export Appeal and Strategic Reach

Russia is actively promoting the Su-57E for international markets. Over 50 units have already been delivered to its Aerospace Forces, and Algeria became the first export customer with an estimated order of 14 aircraft. 

Other countries in Asia and the Middle East, including India, Vietnam, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, are reportedly evaluating the fighter. 

With export prices ranging from USD 35–50 million per unit, the Su-57E offers fifth-generation capabilities at roughly half the cost of an F-35.

The Su-57E retains key features of its domestic variant, including stealth shaping, internal weapons bays, and multi-domain sensor fusion via the N036 Byelka AESA radar and 101KS Atoll electro-optical system. 

Its large internal payload of 5,500 kg and combat radius exceeding 1,500 km allow deep-strike and long-range missions without external stores. Integration with the S-70 Okhotnik stealth drone also enables advanced manned-unmanned teaming, appealing to countries seeking independence from Western suppliers and ITAR restrictions.

Positioning in the Global Fifth-Generation Market

The Dubai Airshow presentation highlights Russia’s strategic intent to position the Su-57E as a leading non-Western fifth-generation fighter.

The combination of advanced 2D nozzles, stealth shaping, and long-range capabilities addresses the growing demand from nations operating in dense radar environments.

With its export-oriented design, the Su-57E not only demonstrates Russia’s technological progress but also strengthens its potential for new deals and strategic partnerships in Asia and the Middle East.

Analysts note that the fighter’s relatively lower cost, combined with internal weapons carriage and compatibility with stealth drones like the S-70 Okhotnik, makes it particularly attractive to countries seeking advanced capabilities without relying on Western suppliers.

By offering a complete package of survivability, agility, and multi-domain sensor integration, Russia is clearly aiming to carve a strong niche in the competitive fifth-generation market.