The Russian Su-57 “Felon” stealth fighter jet made headlines at China’s Zhuhai Airshow this week, sparking renewed scrutiny over its stealth and manufacturing quality. Photographs and video footage captured by attendees revealed extensive use of screws on the aircraft’s fuselage and wings—an unusual design choice that raises questions about its stealth capabilities.
Military analysts noted that the preference for screws over rivets, which are standard on most stealth aircraft, could compromise the jet’s radar profile by increasing radar reflections due to surface irregularities. Screws are more susceptible to loosening from vibrations and can protrude slightly, creating surface imperfections that affect the aircraft’s radar visibility. This observation, coupled with ongoing production and parts supply issues reportedly linked to Western sanctions, further complicates the Su-57’s already troubled reputation. “Even the smallest surface irregularities can increase the likelihood of radar detection,” explained a report in BulgarianMilitary.com.
The Zhuhai Airshow provided an unprecedented close-up look at the Su-57. A lack of restricted access zones around the jet allowed Chinese attendees to scrutinize it closely, with several social media users highlighting visible build quality issues. One post described the Su-57 as a “poorly built prototype,” and others drew comparisons to design flaws seen in earlier Russian models.
Typical Russian craftsman — sanctions must be hurting.
“Lots of screws: Closer look at Russia’s 5th generation Su-57 fighter jet at China’s Zhuhai Airshow.” pic.twitter.com/ZDdHhfmlu9
— 🇺🇸 Army Veteran in 🇺🇦 (@73RDARM) November 4, 2024
Up-close view of Russian Su-57 jet underside at Zhuhai 2024 in China. https://t.co/2yvAovP2Gb pic.twitter.com/40IDe7wcDj
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 4, 2024
The use of screws in high-tech combat aircraft is not standard practice, as rivets typically ensure better structural stability and facilitate the application of radar-absorbing coatings. Experts have speculated that the screws might have been used to secure removable panels for maintenance or as a temporary solution during prototyping. However, the repeated appearance of this feature on production models has drawn criticism from observers in both China and the West, many of whom have questioned the Su-57’s stealth integrity.
Russia’s defense industry, already affected by sanctions, faces significant hurdles in sourcing key electronic components for the Su-57’s advanced systems. According to Defence-Blog, RBC-Ukraine, and investigative reports by the intelligence groups InformNapalm & Frontelligence Insight, production of the Su-57 has been affected by restricted access to components such as the WA36 attenuator and the German-made MPPU-50, which calibrates the jet’s communication systems. To work around these restrictions, Russian manufacturers have reportedly relied on third-party suppliers and smuggled parts, particularly from China, Taiwan, and German suppliers such as Rohde & Schwarz. This dependency has forced Russian suppliers to navigate complex supply chains and has slowed production, with some reports suggesting that only a fraction of the planned fleet has been completed.
The production delays and use of foreign components have limited Russia’s ability to market the Su-57 abroad. Unlike other advanced fighter jets, the Su-57 has not secured any foreign sales despite its fifth-generation designation. As long as restrictions on electronic and aerospace components persist, analysts say, the future of the Su-57 program will likely be hindered, both in operational effectiveness and global market appeal.
The Su-57 also took part in a demonstration flight during the air show.
Impressive demonstration flight of Russian Su-57 fighter jet in Zhuhai, China. pic.twitter.com/QjrzowWTLl
— Oxomiya Jiyori 🇮🇳 (@SouleFacts) November 8, 2024
