Taiyuan: On November 3, 2024, a Russian Su-57 stealth fighter landed in Taiyuan, located in North China’s Shanxi Province, marking its first visit to China. It remains unclear whether the Su-57 will perform demonstration flights at the upcoming Zhuhai Airshow, scheduled from November 12 to 17, 2024.

First displayed internationally at the 2017 Dubai Airshow, the Su-57 was only presented on static display without any flight demonstrations. At that time, the aircraft—initially flown in 2010—was still in the prototype stage. Since then, the Su-57 has yet to participate in international air shows outside Russia, aside from showcasing its capabilities at Moscow’s MAKS Air Shows in 2019 and 2021.

The Su-57 spotted in Taiyuan has the Bort number 54, indicating a prototype likely produced before 2019, powered by the AL-41F1 engines. Future variants are expected to feature the Izdeliye 30 engine, which has not yet been fully integrated into operational Su-57s, despite plans to begin production in 2024.

While the Zhuhai airshow is unlikely to secure new buyers for the Su-57, Russia may aim to highlight its strengthened defense ties with China and the strategic impact of their cooperation. Displaying the Su-57’s capabilities could impress spectators and potential buyers from regions including Asia, Africa, and South America. Russia’s participation in Zhuhai emphasizes its interest in courting global allies, particularly in the Global South, as part of a multi-polar global vision.

Operationally, Su-57s have participated in Russia’s Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine since late 2022, gaining a record of precision strikes deep within Ukrainian territory. Reports suggest Su-57s have executed Kh-59Mk2 missile strikes on Ukrainian targets, such as the Kharkiv TV tower and a military facility in the Nikolaev region. Russian aerospace forces also utilize the Su-57 for networking support, coordinating with Su-34 and Su-35 fighters for a more comprehensive combat response.

The Su-57’s extensive combat testing, including prior missions in Syria, makes it unique among stealth fighters. At Zhuhai, the Su-57’s performance, cost, and availability may appeal to international observers, potentially challenging China’s own J-20 stealth fighter, which will also be showcased at the event.

However, production limitations could affect Russia's ability to fulfill export demand. In 2023, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) announced efforts to scale up Su-57 production, aiming for 24 units in 2024. Nonetheless, UAC reported only one delivery of Su-57s to Russian forces in 2024. Unless additional, unreported deliveries occurred, this bottleneck could limit the aircraft’s availability on the global market.