In a move that shows no fear of potential U.S. sanctions, Russia has allegedly carried out the delivery of the first Su-57E stealth fighters to the Algerian Air Force, thus marking what would be the first time the aircraft is supplied to an international customer. The development stems from the publication of a short video recorded by local observers, in which at least one aircraft of this type can be seen flying over Algerian skies, suggesting that the institution has begun the process of incorporating the units it acquired from Moscow.
In particular, the recently published footage appears to reinforce statements made in November 2025 by Vadim Badekha, who currently serves as CEO of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC): “Our foreign customer and our foreign partner have already received the first two aircraft. They have begun combat service and are demonstrating their best qualities. Our customer is satisfied.” Although Algeria was not explicitly mentioned, the remarks immediately sparked speculation that the African country was the foreign client being referenced, an assumption supported by leaked documents and previous reports placing it in that role.
It is worth recalling that Algiers and Moscow maintain a close defense relationship, as evidenced by the various combat aircraft purchases carried out by the former. In the case of the Su-57E (as the export variant is known), the African country is reportedly expecting to assemble a fleet of twelve fifth-generation fighters, which would undoubtedly represent a significant leap in technical capabilities and help consolidate its position vis-à-vis other North African nations. For its part, Rosoboronexport claims what would be the first export sale of a stealth fighter, a significant step in positioning the Su-57 as an alternative to the U.S.-made F-35 on the global market.
Some signs of the Algiers–Moscow relationship
Moreover, as we reported on February 3, Russia has also allegedly completed the delivery of Su-35S fighters to the Algerian Air Force—another platform the country acquired in its efforts to modernize its combat capabilities. Although no official details of the operation have been released, Algerian observers have recorded the platform’s first flights already bearing the paint scheme and insignia of the aforementioned force. Reinforcing these claims, at least one of these fighters had already been spotted at Oum el Bouaghi Airport by satellites operated by Maxar Technologies in March 2025.
In particular, these aircraft are believed to have originally belonged to a batch manufactured by Russia for another African country—namely, Egypt. In 2018, Cairo finalized a purchase of Su-35S fighters aimed at strengthening its ranks in exchange for a significant investment of $3 billion, initiating their production at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant. Two years later, however, the Egyptian government decided to reverse the deal, and the sale was ultimately canceled despite the first aircraft already having been built, creating opportunities for other potential customers to acquire those units.
In addition to these two platforms, it is also worth noting that the Algerian Air Force is reportedly awaiting the delivery of up to fourteen electronic warfare packages to equip its new Russian-made Su-34 fighter-bombers, according to documents leaked by hackers and later published on social media. Furthermore, images were released showing these aircraft conducting flight tests over the city of Zhukovski, standing out due to their desert camouflage scheme.
What was said in Washington in recent days?
Finally, it is important to highlight that in recent days the United States had already signaled its likely course of action should Algeria proceed with the acquisition of Russian-made Su-57E fighters, hinting that sanctions could be imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
In the words of the head of the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Robert Palladino: “We work closely with the Algerian government on issues where we share common ground. But we certainly disagree on many aspects, and the arms deal is an example of what the United States considers problematic. We use the diplomatic tools at our disposal, often privately, to protect our interests and to halt what we consider unacceptable.”
Images used for illustrative purposes
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