Southeast Asia: Russia’s state arms export agency, ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC, has launched a comprehensive campaign to promote its cutting-edge Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter across the region. The initiative, timed to coincide with Russia’s re-entry into the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025, reflects Moscow’s intent to recalibrate defence diplomacy as strategic tensions sharpen between Washington and Beijing.
A senior ROSOBORONEXPORT representative confirmed that Russia is actively marketing the Su-57E alongside its high-performance fourth-generation Su-35 and Su-30SME fighters. Together, these offerings form the nucleus of a strategic pitch aimed at bolstering regional airpower while positioning Russia as an alternative to Western and Chinese suppliers.
“Among the key proposals being put forward by Russia to strengthen the air combat capabilities of Southeast Asian air forces are the fifth-generation Su-57E, as well as the super-maneuverable Su-35 and Su-30SME multirole fighters,” the spokesperson stated.
The Su-57E represents the export variant of Russia’s first fifth-generation combat aircraft—a direct rival to the U.S.-built F-35 and China’s J-20. Developed by Sukhoi and built for high-end air superiority and strike roles, the Su-57E integrates a blend of stealth features, supercruise capabilities, advanced avionics, and electronic warfare suites.
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Reduced radar cross-section (RCS) for low-observable missions in contested environments;
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Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for long-range engagement and tracking;
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Advanced electronic warfare systems that increase survivability in A2/AD zones;
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Multispectral targeting systems integrating infrared, radar, and visual data for pilot awareness;
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Capability to deploy next-generation air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.
“This fusion of cutting-edge technologies makes the Su-57E one of the most formidable strategic air assets Russia has to offer Southeast Asian nations,” the spokesperson added.
While the Su-57E commands attention for its stealth capabilities, the Su-35 and Su-30SME serve as more attainable options for countries seeking powerful yet affordable fighters. The Su-35, a highly upgraded Su-27 variant, retains excellent aerodynamic performance and an extensive weapons payload. With its long-range mission endurance, passive sensors, and electronic warfare systems, it remains a potent platform for air dominance missions.
The Su-30SME offers multirole flexibility, tandem-seating for training and coordination, and compatibility with a wide range of munitions. This has made it attractive to air forces seeking both combat capability and pilot transition platforms.
Southeast Asia has historically been receptive to Russian defence hardware, especially combat aircraft. Nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia have long turned to Moscow for their airpower needs, drawn by the balance of capability and cost-efficiency.
Vietnam
Vietnam remains Moscow’s most established defence client in the region, operating a fleet of Su-27s and Su-30MK2s that form the backbone of its air force. These fighters play a critical role in maintaining Vietnam’s airspace integrity, particularly in the South China Sea, where territorial disputes with China continue to intensify.
Malaysia
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) operates the Su-30MKM, a variant customized with components from Russia, France, and South Africa. The aircraft have proven versatile and reliable across both training and combat roles.
“The Su-30MKM fighters, which remain the backbone of the RMAF, are currently maintained by Aerospace Technology System Corporation (ATSC)—a Russian-Malaysian joint venture based in-country,” said ROSOBORONEXPORT Director General Alexander Mikheev. “This is a successful model of technology cooperation, and we are ready to deepen it comprehensively.”
Indonesia
Indonesia has also fielded Su-27SK and Su-30MK2 variants, though plans to acquire the Su-35 were stalled due to political concerns—chiefly the threat of U.S. Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) penalties. However, Jakarta has continued to explore multivector defence procurement to avoid over-dependence on any one supplier.
Myanmar
Russia’s newer partner in the region, Myanmar, has reportedly taken delivery of Su-30SME fighters as part of a growing military relationship that includes training, spare parts supply, and possible local support capabilities.
In a significant shift from traditional arms deals, Russia is pushing a broader vision of military-technical cooperation that includes joint production, co-development, and technology transfer.
“Russia is offering a broad framework for defence-technical cooperation across all branches of security forces in the region, including licensed production and co-development,” the ROSOBORONEXPORT official said.
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Local assembly of small arms and ammunition;
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Production of missile systems and anti-tank weapons;
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Development of air defence and electronic warfare equipment;
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Joint projects on armoured vehicles for tropical and coastal regions.
This cooperative model is designed to appeal to Southeast Asian governments prioritizing domestic industrial development and technology self-reliance. Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam are seen as key candidates for such arrangements.
LIMA 2025 has become the platform for Russia’s full-spectrum defence push. After a six-year hiatus, Russia’s presence at this prestigious defence exhibition marks a renewed commitment to Southeast Asia as a strategic arms market.
The Russian Knights aerobatic team headlines aerial displays, featuring high-speed, high-agility demonstrations in Su-35S and Su-30SM fighters. The team’s performances historically generate strong public and professional interest, reinforcing the tactical allure of Russia’s aircraft.
Russia is also spotlighting the IL-76MD-90A(E), a strategic airlifter capable of carrying 60 tons over 4,000 kilometers. Adaptable for cargo, troop movement, medical evacuation, and even firefighting, it appeals to countries needing multipurpose aerial logistics.
In the helicopter domain, platforms on display:
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Ka-52E “Alligator”: An advanced attack helicopter with anti-armour, recon, and command capabilities;
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Mi-28NME “Night Hunter”: A heavily armed helicopter designed for night operations and hostile environments;
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Mi-171Sh: A versatile utility helicopter in high demand across humanitarian, law enforcement, and military roles.
Russia is positioning its integrated air defence systems as a critical solution for safeguarding government facilities, bases, and civilian infrastructure. Prominent offerings include:
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Antey-4000 (long-range): Designed for defending against aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles;
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S-350E Vityaz and Viking (medium-range): Suitable for layered air defence of regional command centres;
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Pantsir-S1M and Pantsir-SMD-E (short-range): Effective against drones and low-flying threats;
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Verba MANPADS: Portable systems for mobile units and point defence.
These systems were reportedly tested during the Victory Day parade on May 9, 2025, in a live exercise simulating a drone swarm attack. Russian officials claim full success in neutralizing targets, highlighting the relevance of these systems against modern aerial threats.
Acknowledging the growing importance of electronic warfare (EW) and unmanned capabilities in modern hybrid conflicts, Russia is presenting a range of tools designed to detect, disrupt, or destroy enemy drones and communication networks.
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Kub-E: A loitering munition optimized for mobile and time-sensitive targets;
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Orlan-10E and Scat-350M UAVs: ISR drones used in reconnaissance and special operations support;
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EW suites designed to interfere with satellite-guided weapons and UAV swarms.
This non-kinetic dimension of modern warfare has garnered increasing interest from Southeast Asian countries seeking to counter grey-zone threats and maintain operational overmatch.
Maritime security is another front in Russia’s campaign. The Project 22160 offshore patrol vessel and Project 12701 Alexandrit-E mine countermeasure ship are being proposed for joint construction with local partners in countries like Malaysia.
The ships are designed for patrol, interdiction, and mine warfare missions in coastal zones and archipelagic waters—a crucial need for Southeast Asian navies tasked with protecting vast maritime domains.
Russia is also promoting its Klavesin-1RE autonomous underwater vehicle, suitable for deep-sea reconnaissance, infrastructure inspection, and underwater mine clearance.
Throughout LIMA 2025, ROSOBORONEXPORT is conducting high-level meetings with ASEAN defence ministries, national security agencies, and private industry players. The agenda: long-term collaboration, defence-industrial development, and resilient supply chains insulated from geopolitical coercion.
“Malaysia is a key and long-standing partner for ROSOBORONEXPORT in Southeast Asia, and our military-technical cooperation has strong potential for future growth,” said Mikheev.
The broader Russian message is clear: as Southeast Asian states grapple with mounting security risks and pressure to align with either the U.S. or China, Moscow is positioning itself as a third, independent option—offering strategic platforms, localized production, and a partnership ethos not contingent on ideological alignment.
Russia’s reenergized arms export push, led by the Su-57E stealth fighter, comes at a critical juncture. Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly pivotal in the global balance of power. Defence modernization is accelerating, and states are looking for systems that can ensure operational sovereignty without surrendering policy autonomy.
For Russia, the stakes are high. Success in the region would reaffirm its relevance as a global defence power despite Western sanctions and geopolitical headwinds. For Southeast Asia, the allure lies in high-performance platforms, competitive pricing, and a strategic hedge against great power dependency.
