Reports suggest that Algeria might have begun the acquisition of Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets

Reports have surfaced indicating that a Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet was observed in Algeria, sparking speculation that the North African country may have started to receive these advanced aircraft.

The sighting, which occurred at the Oum Bouaghi air base in northeastern Algeria, has attracted the attention of military analysts and regional observers, although there has been no official confirmation from either the Algerian government or Russian officials.

If confirmed, this development would represent a major step in Algeria’s efforts to modernize its air force and could potentially alter the regional power dynamics.

The uncertainty surrounding the situation has led to various rumors and theories, with some suggesting that the jets might be part of an order originally meant for Egypt, while others view it as a continuation of Algeria’s strong military relationship with Russia.

Initial reports have emerged from local sources and social media, including sightings of large Russian An-124 transport planes arriving in Algeria in recent weeks. These observations have fueled claims that Algeria could be receiving as many as 24 Su-35 jets, although the precise number has yet to be verified.

Neither Algeria’s Ministry of National Defense nor Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, has commented on the speculation. This lack of communication is consistent with Algeria’s historical approach of maintaining discretion regarding military acquisitions, a strategy influenced by its cautious stance amid regional tensions, particularly with Morocco.

The absence of an official statement has only heightened interest in what could be one of the most significant arms deals in North Africa in recent years.

Algeria’s pursuit of advanced Russian fighter jets has been ongoing for several years. Throughout the last decade, the nation has progressively modernized its air force, with a significant reliance on Moscow for military hardware. In 2018, it was reported that Algeria was in discussions to acquire Su-35s, potentially as part of a larger agreement that included other Russian aircraft such as the Su-34 and Su-57.

During the same period, Egypt reportedly withdrew from a deal for Su-35s due to pressure from the United States, which threatened sanctions in response to Cairo’s military relationship with Russia. Analysts have speculated that Russia may have redirected those aircraft to Algeria, a long-time customer with a fleet predominantly composed of Soviet and Russian models, including over 70 Su-30MKA fighters.

According to the Italian news agency Agenzia Nova, General Said Chengriha, the Chief of Staff of the Algerian Army, was involved in the initial stages of discussions regarding aircraft acquisitions in February 2025, although specific details are limited.

The Su-35, particularly the export version known as the Su-35E, is a key component of Russia’s contemporary fighter jet offerings. Developed by Sukhoi, a leading Russian aerospace company, this aircraft is categorized as a 4++ generation fighter, serving as a bridge between older models and fully fifth-generation stealth aircraft like the Su-57.

First introduced in the early 2000s as an advancement of the Su-27 Flanker, the Su-35E features sophisticated avionics, improved maneuverability, and a comprehensive weapons system. It is equipped with two Saturn AL-41F1S engines, each capable of producing up to 31,000 pounds of thrust with afterburners, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of approximately Mach 2.25, or around 1,500 miles per hour, at high altitudes.

Its operational range surpasses 2,200 miles when equipped with external fuel tanks, rendering it ideal for extended missions throughout North Africa and the Mediterranean region.

The aircraft is outfitted with advanced avionics, including the Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar, which can detect targets at distances of up to 250 miles and track multiple targets simultaneously. This radar, combined with an infrared search-and-track system, enables the Su-35E to engage adversaries without depending solely on radar emissions, significantly enhancing its survivability in contested airspace.

The cockpit of the jet is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire system and multifunction displays, offering pilots real-time information on navigation, targeting, and potential threats. Its airframe, made from a combination of titanium and composite materials, supports a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 76,000 pounds, striking a balance between strength and maneuverability.

In terms of armament, the Su-35E features a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon, capable of firing up to 150 rounds for close-range confrontations. It has 12 external hardpoints that can accommodate a wide range of munitions, with a total payload capacity of up to 17,600 pounds. This includes air-to-air missiles such as the R-77, which boasts a range of over 60 miles, and the shorter-range R-73, designed for dogfighting scenarios.

For ground attack missions, it can deploy KAB-500 guided bombs and Kh-29 air-to-surface missiles, as well as anti-ship missiles like the Kh-31. Its electronic warfare capabilities are enhanced by jamming pods and countermeasures, including flares and chaff, to evade enemy radar and missiles.

These attributes position the Su-35E as a multirole fighter, capable of air superiority, ground attack, and maritime operations—versatility that aligns with Algeria’s strategic requirements along its extensive borders and Mediterranean coastline.

If Algeria has indeed secured the Su-35E, the potential impact on its air force could be significant, although this remains uncertain without official verification. Currently, the Algerian Air Force operates a combination of older MiG-25s and MiG-29s, in addition to its more contemporary Su-30 fleet.

The addition of the Su-35 would bolster its capacity to project military power and counter aerial threats, particularly due to the aircraft’s sophisticated radar and long-range armaments. Military analyst John Pike from GlobalSecurity.org recently remarked that “the Su-35’s range, payload, and sensor capabilities would provide Algeria with a considerable advantage in regional air defense.”

Furthermore, the aircraft’s agility, showcased by its thrust-vectoring engines, could enhance pilot training and combat readiness, provided that Algerian personnel receive the requisite training, potentially in Russia as some sources indicate.

Nevertheless, there are challenges that could mitigate these advantages. Adopting a new platform necessitates significant investment in maintenance systems, spare parts, and personnel training—areas where Algeria has previously encountered difficulties with its Russian-supplied aircraft.

The complexity of the Su-35 may also put a strain on logistics, particularly if sanctions or export limitations hinder Russia’s ability to offer support. Additionally, its absence of stealth features, unlike fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35, could render it susceptible to advanced air defense systems employed by potential rivals.

Without official figures regarding the number of jets or their deployment schedule, any evaluation of their potential impact remains speculative, although this uncertainty has already ignited discussions within defense communities.

From a geopolitical standpoint, the rumored acquisition has significant ramifications for North Africa and beyond. Algeria’s military expansion is taking place amid its ongoing rivalry with Morocco, which has been modernizing its forces with U.S.-made F-16s and is reportedly interested in F-35s.

A report from Defence Security Asia in February 2025 suggested that Morocco’s pursuit of American stealth fighters may be a direct reaction to Algeria’s engagements with Russia. The two countries, at odds over the Western Sahara dispute, have been involved in an arms race for years, and the introduction of the Su-35 could temporarily shift the aerial advantage toward Algeria.

France, as a former colonial power with substantial interests in the region, may view this situation with concern, particularly following an incident in early March 2025 when a Russian Su-35 flew close to a French Reaper drone over the Mediterranean, as reported by Reuters.

On the other hand, Russia stands to benefit from strengthening its relationship with Algeria, its largest arms market in Africa. With Western sanctions restricting its export capabilities, Moscow has relied on traditional allies like Algiers to support its defense sector. If confirmed, the Su-35 deal would add to a series of recent exports, including the Su-57 to Algeria in February 2025, according to Military Africa.

For the United States, the potential spread of Russian jets in North Africa could lead to enhanced collaboration with Morocco and other allies to counterbalance Algeria’s military capabilities, which may heighten regional tensions. NATO members, especially those with bases in the Mediterranean, might also reconsider their strategies if Algeria’s air force achieves a significant technological advancement.

Currently, the situation regarding the Su-35 in Algeria is marked by ambiguity. The recent sightings in Oum Bouaghi and the surge in transport flights provide intriguing hints, but without concrete evidence, they remain mere indications. Algerian state television has not commented on the speculation, and Russian officials have maintained silence, adhering to their typical stance on sensitive arms transactions.

What is evident is that Algeria’s quest for advanced military equipment underscores its larger goal of safeguarding its airspace and exerting influence in a turbulent region. Whether the Su-35 will play a pivotal role in this strategy or fade into obscurity as just another rumor will hinge on the developments that unfold in the coming weeks. For the time being, observers can only monitor the situation as the skies over North Africa suggest potential changes that have yet to be validated.