SOURCE: AFI
The Su-57 Felon, Russia’s premier fifth-generation fighter jet, made its debut at Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai. However, the jet’s maiden appearance has unexpectedly garnered widespread ridicule on Chinese social media platforms, with many users questioning the aircraft’s assembly quality and construction precision. Close-up images and videos of the jet have sparked criticism over visible construction flaws, drawing unflattering comparisons with China’s own fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Chengdu J-20.
Chinese social media users have been quick to highlight various assembly flaws evident in the Su-57. Notable issues include the extensive use of visible bolts to secure fuselage panels and sections that appear misaligned. While the Su-57’s visible bolts have been noted in prior observations, their prominence, combined with poor panel fitment, has fueled mockery and criticism. A major point of discussion centers on the rear section of the aircraft, which was displayed in detail for the first time at the airshow. This area features bolts with a mix of head types—Phillips, flathead, and hexagonal—suggesting a lack of standardization and raising questions about quality control in the assembly process.
The inconsistent assembly quality has led many Chinese netizens to question whether the Su-57 truly embodies the qualities expected of a fifth-generation stealth fighter. Comments on social media have pointed out that such visible construction flaws and mixed bolt types could compromise stealth capabilities, a key feature for fifth-generation platforms. In comparison, the Chengdu J-20, China’s advanced stealth fighter, appears to have a sleeker design with a more streamlined assembly process, as touted by Beijing. Chinese observers have claimed that the J-20 showcases superior craftsmanship, fueling pride in domestic aviation capabilities.
The Su-57’s showcase at Zhuhai provided Chinese audiences a rare close-up view of Russia’s answer to the United States’ F-22 and F-35 jets. Yet, instead of admiration, many social media comments have focused on how the Su-57 falls short of the Chengdu J-20 in terms of construction and design sophistication. Chinese media has frequently emphasized that the J-20’s smooth lines, advanced materials, and overall stealth profile give it a competitive edge. Many Chinese users echoed this sentiment online, suggesting that the Su-57 is technologically behind the J-20, despite Russia’s status as a historic powerhouse in military aviation.
Several social media users have pointed out that the Su-57 prototype displayed in Zhuhai, designated T-50-4 with serial number 054, fails to meet the visual standards associated with cutting-edge fighter jets. The critiques focused on its external finish and questionable design choices, which many view as outdated compared to the clean, stealthy exterior of the J-20. As one comment put it, “The Su-57 looks like a fourth-generation fighter with a stealth design tacked on, not a true fifth-generation fighter.”
The Su-57’s appearance in Zhuhai was intended to boost its image and promote Russian defense capabilities to a global audience. However, the backlash on Chinese social media could impact its reputation in China and other potential markets. Given the competition for defense exports, the Chengdu J-20’s favorable comparison to the Su-57 could further strengthen China’s position as a leader in next-generation stealth aircraft, potentially challenging Russia’s appeal to international buyers. Russia, which has been aiming to market the Su-57 to countries such as India, the United Arab Emirates, and others, might find these criticisms a setback in an already challenging export market for high-cost fifth-generation fighters.
This criticism not only highlights the competitive spirit between Russian and Chinese defense sectors but also reveals how expectations for stealth aircraft have evolved. As fifth-generation fighters become more prominent, quality and attention to detail are increasingly seen as essential for countries seeking to project technological advancement. The Chengdu J-20, promoted as an emblem of Chinese innovation, stands as a point of pride for China, while the Su-57’s perceived shortcomings underscore the challenges Russia faces in meeting modern design and manufacturing expectations.
The reaction on Chinese social media underscores a shift in regional power dynamics, where China is now positioning itself as a leader in aerospace technology, challenging Russia’s longstanding reputation. For Russia’s defense industry, the feedback might serve as a call for improvements to meet the rigorous demands of international competition and the discerning eyes of potential buyers worldwide.