Algeria Likely Takes Delivery of First Russian Su-57E Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets

Algeria has likely taken delivery of its first Russian Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, marking a potentially historic milestone in African airpower and deepening Algiers’ long-standing defence partnership with Russia.

The development follows the emergence of a video on social media platform X, shared by a user identified as @Yahia532852879, showing a fighter aircraft consistent with the Su-57 flying over Algerian territory. The footage appears to depict flight operations already underway within Algerian airspace.

The Su-57 officially in the Algerian 🇩🇿 sky pic.twitter.com/8yTceTrAQv

— 12345 (@Yahia532852879) February 6, 2026

Video Evidence Points to Su-57 Operations in Algeria

Visual analysis of the aircraft in the video indicates a strong match with the design, airframe geometry, and flight profile of the Sukhoi Su-57. The surrounding terrain and desert landscape visible in the footage align closely with Algeria’s geography, reinforcing assessments that the aircraft was filmed locally rather than during transit or testing elsewhere.

While no official confirmation has been issued by Algerian or Russian authorities, the sighting strongly suggests that initial operational flights of the Su-57 have begun in Algeria.

Long-Running Negotiations Since 2019

Algeria’s interest in the Su-57 dates back to 2019, when an Algerian delegation closely examined the export variant, the Su-57E, at Russia’s MAKS air show. Around the same period, media reports began circulating about a potential contract valued at approximately $2 billion for 14 aircraft.

Despite early momentum, the deal faced repeated delays. These were largely attributed to challenges in Russia’s ability to establish full-scale serial production of the aircraft, as well as the need to customise avionics and mission systems to meet Algerian operational requirements.

Secrecy, Delays, and Quiet Progress

Throughout 2023–2024, the status of the contract remained unofficial. Russian officials consistently referred to an unnamed “foreign customer” for the Su-57 without publicly identifying the buyer.

At the same time, Algeria reportedly undertook significant infrastructure upgrades at key air bases, including the construction of hardened aircraft shelters suitable for hosting stealth aircraft. Reports also indicated that Algerian pilots were undergoing training in Russia, although details remained tightly controlled and only sporadically surfaced online.

This pattern of silence and incremental preparation mirrors Algeria’s traditional approach to high-end defence acquisitions.

Russian Confirmation of Export Deliveries in 2025

A major indicator emerged in 2025, when Vadim Badekha, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation, stated on Russian television that two Su-57 fighter jets had been delivered to an undisclosed foreign customer.

Given Algeria’s long-standing negotiations, infrastructure readiness, and now visual evidence of Su-57 flights, analysts widely assess that Algeria is the most likely recipient of those initial aircraft.

Strategic Implications for North Africa

If confirmed, Algeria would become the first African country to operate a fifth-generation stealth fighter, significantly altering the regional airpower balance in North Africa and the Mediterranean.

The Su-57 provides advanced capabilities including:

• Low observable (stealth) design
• Supercruise performance
• AESA radar and sensor fusion
• Long-range air-to-air and strike capabilities

For Algeria, the aircraft would enhance strategic deterrence, air superiority, and long-range strike options, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s most heavily armed and technologically advanced militaries.

Broader Russian-Algerian Defence Ties

The Su-57 development aligns with Algeria’s broader pattern of high-end Russian procurements. Algeria has already ordered Su-34 fighter-bombers, one of which was recently observed by aviation spotters wearing desert camouflage, suggesting localisation for North African operating conditions.

Together, Su-57 and Su-34 acquisitions would provide Algeria with a layered combat aviation structure, combining stealth air dominance with heavy strike capability.

Still No Official Confirmation — But Signals Are Strong

Despite the absence of a formal announcement, the convergence of:

• Visual evidence of Su-57 flights
• Russian confirmation of export deliveries
• Algerian infrastructure preparation
• Pilot training indicators

strongly points toward the beginning of Su-57 service in Algeria.

Should further deliveries follow, Algeria’s air force would enter an entirely new technological tier, with implications extending well beyond North Africa into European and Middle Eastern strategic calculations.