Commentators at the American magazine Military Watch Magazine argue that potential deliveries of Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets to Middle Eastern states could sharply reshape the regional balance of power in the skies. They note that a major export deal involving this aircraft would significantly alter the air picture, since Israel remains the only current operator of fifth-generation fighters in the region, and Algeria is the only such operator in Africa.

The authors do not rule out Iran as a possible buyer of the Su-57. They recall that, in addition to the transfer of roughly 18 Su-35s to Algeria earlier this year, Russia had planned to supply 48 Su-35 fighters to the Iranian Air Force and another six aircraft to Ethiopia. Against this background, they consider the prospect of Su-57 exports a realistic development.

According to the analysis, if Iran or another Middle Eastern country were to field the Su-57, their top fighter squadrons could gain serious air superiority, especially given that Israel’s F-35s are described as not yet ready for high-intensity combat operations.

The magazine’s observers also contend that the Su-57 holds an edge over many other aircraft of its generation. They explain this by pointing to the jet’s extensive testing in real high-intensity combat conditions, where it has operated in an environment saturated with modern air defense systems.