Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter jet makes 1st China visit, expected to join Chinese counterparts at airshow

A Russian Su-57 stealth fighter jet landed in China on Sunday, marking its inaugural visit to China, with military observers anticipating that the Russian warplane will join its Chinese counterparts like the J-20 in delivering impressive aerial displays at the upcoming Airshow China event.

At about 2:20 pm, a Su-57 landed in Taiyuan, North China's Shanxi Province, signifying its first-ever visit to China, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Sunday, as a part of the coverage for Airshow China 2024, to be held from November 12 to 17 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province.

If the Su-57 indeed later arrives in Zhuhai for the airshow, it would mean that several types of stealth fighter jets will be showcased at the event, Fu Qianshao, a Chinese military aviation expert, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Fu noted that China's J-20 fighter jet has delivered multiple flight performances in previous editions of Airshow China. He also hopes to see the long-expected J-35, China's new-type stealth fighter jet, to perform at the event.

The Su-57 is equipped with thrust vectoring control technologies, enabling it to perform high-maneuverability moves that other aircraft cannot, making the Russian aircraft's performance potentially thrilling to watch, Fu said.

In addition to the Su-57, the Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team is set to participate in Airshow China 2024 with six Su-35S and one Su-30SM fighter jet, marking their return to the Chinese airshow after an eight-year absence, CCTV reported.

With the Su-57, the Su-35 and the Su-30, Russia is sending almost all of its best fighter aircraft to the Airshow China, Fu said.

Fu expects China and Russia to seize this opportunity for exchanges and mutual learning regarding each other's aircraft, as the two countries make strides in defense cooperation.

As an international airshow, the Chinese exhibition will also provide Russia the chance to market the Su-57 globally, Fu said.

Various Chinese aircraft, such as the J-10C and the J-16 fighter jets, the J-16D electronic warfare aircraft, the H-6K bomber, the JL-10 trainer jet, as well as the WZ-7 and WZ-10 reconnaissance drones, had arrived in Zhuhai by Sunday, CCTV reported.