Through the release of new images by local observers, it has been confirmed that Russia has delivered new Su-35S fighters to the Algerian Air Force in order to support its modernization, although the number of aircraft already on African country territory remains unknown. However, as can be seen in the published material, at least two examples already appear to be wearing the service’s paint scheme and insignia, which would indicate that the planned deliveries have begun.
It is worth recalling that Su-35S deliveries to Algeria had already been the subject of speculation in March of last year, when satellite imagery emerged showing the presence of an aircraft of this type bearing Algerian Air Force markings at Oum El Bouaghi Airport. As we previously reported, local observers also managed to capture video of the platform’s first flights, even though neither Algiers nor Moscow had officially confirmed the operation.
According to earlier reports, this involved at least one aircraft from a batch originally produced for Egypt under an agreement signed in 2018, which provided for Cairo’s acquisition of the platform in exchange for around US$3 billion. Only two years later, Egypt reversed course and the purchase collapsed, leaving the already-built aircraft awaiting a new buyer outside the Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant.
On the other hand, it is also useful to note that the partnership between these countries would not be limited to the acquisition of the fighters mentioned above, pointing to a broader framework in which these transactions are taking place. In particular, documents leaked on social media by hackers indicated that the Algerian Air Force also acquired a batch of around fourteen Su-34 aircraft, for which it sought to add new electronic warfare equipment reportedly requiring an investment of roughly US$175 million by Algiers.
Moreover, this development came shortly after new images were revealed showing the fighter-bombers conducting flights over the city of Zhukovsky, reflecting the progress made in manufacturing the batch. Even then, the aircraft featured a distinctive desert-toned paint scheme suited to the environments in which they are expected to operate, and—together with the Su-35s—would arrive to refresh a fleet currently made up of models such as the Su-30MKA, MiG-29S/M/M2, and Su-24MK2.
Finally, and in line with the above, it cannot be overlooked that the Algerian Air Force would also have pursued the acquisition of new Su-57 stealth fighters in their export variant, which would make it the model’s first international customer. As suggested by the same leaked document, the service aimed to acquire a dozen aircraft, while statements by officials from the Rosoboronexport export agency indicated in late 2024 that Russia had already secured the aircraft’s first sale (without revealing which country). Deliveries would have begun in November 2025.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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