Russia has reportedly delivered the first export units of its Su-57E stealth fighter, according to United Aircraft Corporation’s CEO, signaling a major milestone in Moscow’s growing ability to export its most advanced military aircraft. While the end-user has not been officially confirmed, leaked internal documents from Rostec—shared by the hacker group Black Mirror in October 2025—suggest that Algeria is the likely buyer, with orders for 12 Su-57Es and 14 Su-34s expected through 2026.

This development marks a worrying escalation in Russia’s global arms influence. The Su-57E is Moscow’s fifth-generation jet, equipped with stealth capabilities and advanced avionics that could dramatically shift regional power dynamics if deployed outside Russia. Sending such sophisticated aircraft to foreign customers raises serious strategic concerns, especially if those jets are not subject to stringent export controls or oversight.

If the leaks are accurate, Algeria’s acquisition of these stealth fighters could destabilize military balances in North Africa and beyond. These aircraft would provide Algeria with a formidable air superiority platform, combining stealth, speed, and modern weapons systems. For Western-aligned nations and U.S. allies, this signals a need for increased vigilance and stronger defense commitments.

At a time when global security is becoming increasingly contested, Russia’s ability to export its most cutting-edge military technology is a direct challenge to U.S. interests. The sale underlines the urgency for the Trump-era America-First foreign policy to remain robust: allies must be supported, and adversaries must face consequences when they expand the reach of destabilizing weapons.

The shadowy export deal also raises broader questions about transparency and accountability within Russia’s state-run military-industrial complex. Without public confirmation, Moscow and its defense partners may try to obscure the full scale of the transfer, complicating international efforts to monitor advanced arms proliferation.

Russia may be celebrating a propaganda win today, but for the United States and its allies, the arrival of Su-57Es outside Moscow’s borders is a clear warning. It’s not just a transaction—it’s a strategic signal, and one that demands a serious response.