Su‑57's Iranian visit fuels military cooperation rumours
The Russian Su-57 Felon fighter jet recently appeared in Iran, sparking considerable interest. This seems to be the aircraft's first visit to the country. The Su-57 stopped at the Iranian airbase in Bandar Abbas while returning from the Aero India 2025 international airshow, and satellite images documenting this event have just surfaced online.
The Russian Su-57 fighter jet was spotted on the runway of the Iranian airbase in Bandar Abbas, located in the southeastern corner of the country, in late February. As The War Zone notes, satellite images prove that the aircraft was in Iran for several days, and it is not entirely clear whether it has already departed for Russia. The website highlighted photos from February 19, showing the Su-57 alongside a pair of American P-3 Orion patrol planes sold to Iran in 1979 and a Russian Il-76 Candid transport plane.
Su-57 in Iran
The Su-57 stopped in Iran to refuel while returning from the Aero India 2025 international airshow. During this event, a historic meeting occurred between the Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet and the American F-35. The aircraft shared not only the same runway for the first time but also the same airspace. Their presence in India aimed to showcase the aircraft's capabilities and attract potential buyers, especially as the Indian Air Force is considering which fighter jets to select as part of the MRFA program, which aims to acquire 114 multi-role aircraft.
The presence of the Su-57 in Iran sparked speculation about possible military cooperation between Russia and Iran and the potential sale of these advanced fighters to Tehran. Previous reports of Iran's interest in purchasing the Su-57 are worth noting. According to some sources, Tehran was considering acquiring 24 such aircraft, which could significantly impact the balance of power in the Middle East.
The Sukhoi Design Bureau developed the Su-57, a fifth-generation Russian fighter jet that combines advanced stealth technology (which is increasingly being questioned), high maneuverability, and the ability to carry a wide range of weaponry. The aircraft aims to provide an advantage over Western counterparts such as the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. It was first flown in 2010 and is a successor to the Su-27 and Su-35.
The Su-57 is about 20 metres long, with a wingspan of approximately 14 metres. The aircraft's height is about 5 metres. Modern composite materials and stealth technology significantly reduce its radar cross-section (RCS) compared to older Russian fighters. The aircraft reaches a maximum speed of around 2,600 km/h, making it one of the fastest combat aircraft in the world. The operational range of the Su-57 is about 3,500 kilometres without the need for aerial refuelling. The operational ceiling of the fighter is approximately 20,000 metres, and its maximum takeoff weight is 35,000 kilograms.
Regarding armament, the Su-57 has two central internal weapon bays and two side compartments for munitions. The central bays can carry medium-range air-to-air missiles like the K-77M and short-range missiles like the R-74M2. Additionally, the aircraft can be equipped with various air-to-ground missiles, including precision-guided KAB-250 and KAB-500 bombs and Kh-38M and Kh-58UShK cruise missiles. The 30 mm 9A1-4071K auto-cannon is also worth mentioning, mounted internally on the right side of the fuselage.
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