# Algeria now operating Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35S

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/03/algeria-now-operating-russian-made-sukhoi-su-35s/
- Published: 2025-03-13T17:04:18+01:00
- Author: Military Africa

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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](https://www.military.africa/2025/02/algeria-confirms-purchase-of-su-57-felon-stealth-fighter-jets/)
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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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](https://www.military.africa/2020/08/lockheed-martin-nets-moroccos-f-16-contract/),
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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.](https://www.military.africa/2025/01/progress-in-moroccos-f-35-acquisition/)

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](https://www.military.africa/2025/01/progress-in-moroccos-f-35-acquisition/)
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](https://www.military.africa/2022/01/f-35-vs-su-57-stealth-aircraft-arms-race-in-north-africa/#google_vignette)
over the Western Sahara conflict.

### _Related_