Algerian military to buy Russian Su-34 Fullback fighter bomber

The Algerian Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Russian aircraft manufacturer Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) are likely to sign a deal for the sale of 12 Sukhoi-34 “Fullback” striker aircraft before the end of 2016, Russian news service TASS has reported.

The service quoted a Russian military-diplomatic source who attended the Singapore Airshow as saying the two sides will certainly sign the deal by the end of 2016 after the Su-34 was granted the export certification.

The lack of export certification previously threatened to scuttle the deal.

“They (Algeria) have been willing to get the Su-34s for a long time now. The related talks are ongoing and they have reached an advanced stage. Previously, the aircraft did not have the export certificate,” said the source, who request anonymity. “Now the appropriate documents have been obtained. I believe the contract will be signed in mid-2016 or definitely by the end of the year. There is a mutual interest in the deal. Everything will be done this year.

Algeria and Russia opened negotiations for the sale of an initial 12 Su-34 “Fullbacks” in November last year. According to Russian media reports, both sides are also discussing the possibility of expanding the Algeria order to 40 Su-34s.