It’s common practice for countries to sell “export models” of their military equipment. These versions often have reduced capabilities compared to the ones used domestically, ensuring that the selling country maintains a technological edge.
For example, Russia’s Su-57 fighter jet has an export variant called the Su-57E, which is tailored for foreign buyers. This approach isn’t unique to Russia; many nations, including the U.S., follow similar strategies with their advanced military hardware. It’s a way to balance international relations while safeguarding national security.