Moscow Offers 5th-Gen Jets To Arab Nations, No Deal Yet

Russia’s Rosoboronexport has announced negotiations with Arab countries for joint production of fifth-generation fighter jets, signaling Moscow’s intent to deepen aerospace ties in a region traditionally dominated by Western suppliers. This potential partnership highlights Russia’s ambition to establish a stronger presence in the Gulf, where military modernization and technological autonomy are increasingly valued.

Russia’s Fighter Jet Offerings

The announcement lacks specificity about which fifth-generation aircraft the Su-57 or Su-75 “Checkmate” is being discussed. The Su-57 is already in limited service with Russian forces and features stealth and supercruise capabilities, while the Su-75 remains a prototype marketed for export as a more cost-effective alternative. This ambiguity raises questions about whether Russia is offering a finished product or a collaborative project still in development.

Rosoboronexport has been actively promoting the Checkmate fighter in Middle Eastern markets as a platform for technological partnership. Director General Alexander Mikheev emphasized discussions about “joint development and integration of advanced onboard systems, avionics, and foreign air weapons,” targeting nations seeking industrial independence with a customizable jet tailored to regional needs.

Current Challenges

The concept of Gulf involvement in Russian aerospace projects isn’t new. Reports from around 2021 suggested initial Emirati interest in the Su-75, highlighted by displays at the Dubai Airshow and discussions of co-production deals. However, enthusiasm reportedly diminished by 2022, likely due to Western pressure, sanctions on Russia over Ukraine, and shifting priorities toward securing US made F-35s.

Unconfirmed Claims and Regional Context

A critical caveat overshadows Rosoboronexport’s claims: these assertions come solely from the Russian side. No Arab nation has publicly confirmed talks about co-producing fifth-generation fighter jets. This silence from potential partners raises questions about the depth or reality of these negotiations.

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Russia’s track record in selling combat aircraft to the Middle East and North Africa provides context for these overtures. Iran has reportedly pursued the fourth-generation Su-35, while Algeria is considered a likely inaugural customer for the Su-57. However, these examples involve established clients purchasing completed products rather than co-developing next-generation technology.

The proposed Arab collaboration represents a significantly different approach a joint production partnership that, without confirmation from potential Arab partners, appears more aspirational than concrete. For now, Moscow’s Gulf initiative remains a one-sided narrative, with its echoes limited to defense exhibition halls and Russian media reports.

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