Recently leaked documents, allegedly belonging to Russia’s state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec, have shed light on advanced Sukhoi fighter jet export plans involving Iran, Algeria and Ethiopia. The documents include detailed information on order quantities, delivery schedules, and production plans.
Among the leaked files are correspondences, presentations, and details regarding Russia’s defence cooperation with foreign partners. The documents also contain logistical plans designed to circumvent sanctions and technical papers related to weapons supply. Although the authenticity of the documents has not been independently verified, defence analysts note that the content largely aligns with Moscow’s previous export discussions.
Countries and Aircraft Models
The documents highlight equipment contracts prepared by KRET, Rostec’s subsidiary specialising in electronic warfare and avionics systems, intended for integration into export versions of Sukhoi aircraft. The client countries are identified according to Russia’s national coding system as follows:
- Code “364” represents Iran
- Code “012” represents Algeria
- Code “231” represents Ethiopia
According to the leaked chart:
- Iran procured 48 Su-35 fighter jets.
- Algeria signed contracts for 12 Su-57 fifth-generation fighters and 14 Su-34 strike aircraft.
- Ethiopia acquired 6 Su-35 fighter jets.
If accurate, these deals rank among Russia’s largest fighter jet exports since the onset of the Russia–Ukraine war in 2022. They also point to Moscow’s strategy of deepening defence ties with non-Western nations.
Delivery Schedule and Production Plans
According to the documents, equipment for Iran’s Su-35s is scheduled for delivery 16–18 and 46–48 months after advance payments. Assuming the first payment was made in 2022, subsystems developed by KRET are expected to be delivered to production facilities between 2024 and 2026. As these will be followed by assembly, flight testing and certification, final deliveries to Iran are projected for completion between 2026 and 2028.
Algeria Plans
The documents indicate that component deliveries for Algeria’s Su-57 and Su-34 fleets are also planned for the 2024–2026 period. This aligns with earlier reports suggesting that Algeria was in advanced negotiations for Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 “Felon” fighter jet. If confirmed, Algeria would become the first foreign customer of this aircraft model — marking a significant milestone for Russia’s fifth-generation fighter programme.
Earlier this year, the Algerian Air Force conducted its first operational training flight with Su-35 aircraft from Oum Bouaghi Air Base in March. Russian media had previously reported that Algeria signed contracts in 2019 for 14 Su-35s, along with Su-34 and Su-57 aircraft. These deals have made Algeria one of Russia’s largest defence industry clients outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The timelines outlined in the documents indicate that most contracts were signed either before or shortly after the start of the Russia–Ukraine war.
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