Algeria has recently begun operating the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35S fighter jet, a move that strengthens its air force and signals a deeper military partnership with Russia. The Algerian Air Force kicked off its first air training with the Su-35S from the Oum Bouaghi base, marking a significant step in modernizing its fleet. While there’s been no official announcement confirming the deal, reports suggest Algeria signed a contract in 2018 for 24 of these advanced fighters.
The Sukhoi Su-35S, often called the “Super Flanker” in NATO circles, is a 4++ generation fighter built from the Su-27 design. It’s a single-seat, twin-engine jet known for its supermaneuverability, thanks to thrust-vectoring engines that let it twist and turn in the sky like few others. Its powerful Irbis-E radar can track multiple targets at once, and it carries a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, making it a versatile tool for both defending the skies and striking ground targets. With a top speed over Mach 2 and a range stretching about 1,500 kilometers, it’s a big upgrade from Algeria’s older planes like the MiG-29s and Su-24s.
Talk of Algeria getting the Su-35S has been around for years. Back in 2016, there were reports of the Algerian military testing the jet in Tamanrasset, and they seemed happy with how it flew. A Russian newspaper, Kommersant, later claimed in 2019 that Algeria locked in a deal for 14 Su-35s alongside other fighters like the Su-34 and Su-57, though neither Russia nor Algeria ever made it official. That’s typical for Algerian arms deals—they tend to stay quiet about them. Still, with deliveries happening and training underway, it’s clear the Su-35S is now in the mix, even as some speculate Algeria might be eyeing the even newer Su-57 stealth fighter instead.
For Algeria, this jet is about more than just new hardware. It’s a way to keep its air force strong, especially with over 70 Su-30MKAs already forming the backbone of its fleet. Those Su-30s, ordered in 2006, were top-tier at the time, giving Algeria an edge over most African and Arab nations, particularly Morocco its long-time rival. The Su-35S takes that further with better engines, sensors, and a stealthier design, though it doesn’t change what the air force can do—it just does it better. Some suggest Algeria could even upgrade its Su-30s with Su-35 tech, like the AL-41F-1S engines or Irbis-E radar, but adding a few Su-35s might make maintenance trickier without adding new tricks to the playbook.
This move fits Algeria’s pattern as a big spender on Russian military gear—second only to India among Russia’s buyers. With a long coastline and borders regional hotspots like Libya and Mali, Algeria needs a solid air force to watch its skies and back up ground operations against insurgents in the Sahel. The Su-35S may replace aging MiG-29s and Su-24s, keeping the country’s defenses stronger. It also puts Algeria in a stronger spot compared to neighbors like Morocco, which flies American F-16s, though it’s not clear if this will spark a bigger arms race in North Africa.
The deal came with Russian instructors training Algerian pilots, and there’s talk of more deals down the line—maybe even the Su-57, which Algeria confirmed buying this year, making it the first foreign customer for that stealth jet. That could shift things in the region, maybe nudging countries like Egypt or Morocco to rethink their plans. It might also tweak Algeria’s ties with Western nations like the U.S. and France, who’ve sold it gear in the past but don’t always see eye-to-eye politically. For now, the Su-35S is flying, and Algeria’s air force is looking tougher than ever.
The Su-30SME, already operated by the Ethiopian Air Force, is noted for its ability to share data with military aircraft, ground stations, and satellites, and could even serve as a mini-AWACS, enhancing interoperability. The Su-35, having played a significant role in Russia’s war with Ukraine, is seen as an ideal replacement for aging MiG-29s, given its multi-role capabilities and air defense prowess. Meanwhile, bolstering the air force’s Russian integrated air defense system could see Algeria become the international launch customer of the Su-57 Felon, with a purchase of two squadrons (circa 24 aircraft) looking likely, as confirmed in February 2024 via Algerian state television, with training underway in Russia and deliveries expected later this year.
This upgrade enhances Algeria’s ability to defend its vast airspace, particularly given its 2,400-kilometer coastline and extensive land borders with seven countries, including unstable neighbors like Libya and Mali. The Su-35S’s advanced radar and long-range engagement capabilities improve border security and counter-terrorism operations, especially in the Sahel region, where insurgent groups pose significant threats.
The introduction of the Su-35S into Algeria’s arsenal has notable implications for the regional balance of power in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Algeria’s neighbor, Morocco, operates a fleet of F-16 fighters, supported by the United States, creating a competitive dynamic. The Su-35S’s advanced capabilities could prompt Morocco and other regional players to reassess their military strategies, potentially leading to increased defense spending or acquisitions to maintain parity. For instance, Egypt, another key player, operates a mix of F-16s, Rafales, and some Russian-made aircraft, and may view Algeria’s upgrade as a factor in regional aerial superiority.
Morocco, on the other hand, has been flying F-16 Fighting Falcons, bought from the United States in a deal that started in 2008. They’ve got about 23 of the Block 52+ models, with some upgrades to Block 70/72 standards in recent years. The F-16 is a 4th generation multi-role fighter—smaller, single-engine, and lighter than the Su-35S. It’s known for its agility, hitting speeds up to Mach 2, and carries a solid mix of weapons like AIM-120 AMRAAMs for air-to-air and precision bombs for ground strikes. Its APG-68 radar is sharp, though not as beefy as the Su-35’s, and its combat range sits around 550 kilometers on internal fuel, extendable with drop tanks. Morocco’s F-16s are versatile, designed for everything from dogfights to bombing runs, and they’ve been a key part of its air force modernization.
Tensions in the region have risen in recent years, particularly over the Western Sahara conflict, with Algeria supporting the Polisario Front. Israeli media reported that the UAE had offered to cover the cost of F-35 jets if the United States approved the sale to Morocco.
The latest generation of the F-35 multirole fighter is estimated to cost around $78 million per unit. Experts believe Morocco’s improved ties with the US and Israel could facilitate the acquisition of the F-35, granting Morocco a strategic advantage over its North African neighbors, including Egypt.
Recent Israeli media reports suggest that Morocco is advancing its plans to acquire Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II jets. According to the newspaper Identité Juive, Morocco is set to become the first Arab and African country to procure U.S. F-35 fighter jets. The deal, expected to include 32 F-35 aircraft at a cost exceeding $17 billion, represents a substantial modernization of Morocco’s air force.
Negotiations for the deal began in 2020, with Morocco seeking Israel’s assistance to expedite the process and overcome political hurdles with U.S. authorities. The acquisition aims to modernize Morocco’s air force and provide a strategic edge amid rising tensions with Algeria over the Western Sahara conflict.
