SOURCE: AFP
Algeria has confirmed the purchase of Russian Su-57 fighter jets, making the North African country the first international customer for the aircraft. According to Defence Blog on 12 February, Russian officials claimed in November 2024 that the first export agreements had been signed but it is only now that the customer has been revealed.
With deliveries of the advanced fighter expected within the year, Algeria is set to become the first foreign customer of the Su-57, a development with wide-ranging geopolitical and military implications.
The training of Algerian pilots in Russia signals a critical phase in Algeria’s acquisition of the Su-57. Training foreign pilots on advanced combat aircraft is a complex process that involves not only mastering the flight characteristics of the aircraft but also understanding its radar, weapon systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Algeria has historically maintained close defense relations with Russia, relying on Russian-made military hardware for decades. The Su-57 acquisition is consistent with this pattern, as Algeria seeks to modernize its air force and maintain a technological edge over regional adversaries.
Algeria’s air force already operates a significant number of Russian aircraft, including Su-30MKA, MiG-29, and Su-24 bombers. Adding the Su-57 to its fleet represents a substantial leap forward, providing Algeria with advanced stealth capabilities and enhanced situational awareness on the battlefield.