Algeria confirms purchase of Russian Su-57 fighter jets
- Unprecedented military modernisation
- Su-57 characteristics
- How are the Algerian Air Forces composed?
Since the first orders were placed, Algeria has become Russia's largest military customer. A long-standing commercial relationship, as the two countries have enjoyed excellent relations since Soviet times.
On 12 February, Algerian state media confirmed that the Algerian Air Force had acquired Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets and that Algerian military personnel were being trained in Russia.
Two days earlier, at the Aero India 2025 exhibition, Alexander Mikheyev, head of the Russian defence conglomerate Rosoboronexport, revealed that negotiations on the fighter jet purchase contract began last November, although he did not confirm the name of the country that would receive the military equipment: ‘The first foreign customer of the advanced fifth-generation Su-57E multi-role fighter, to be supplied by Rosoboronexport, will begin operating the aircraft in 2025.’
However, Algerian media confirmed, citing Russian reports, that Algeria was the country that negotiated the purchase of the Su-57 fighters with Russia.
Unprecedented military modernisation
Algeria is placing greater importance on the military industry. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Algeria's military spending increased by 76%, reaching 18.3 billion dollars in 2024, making it the highest budget item of all.
With regard to the acquisition of the aircraft, Algerian television speculated on a first batch of six units, which raises doubts about Russia's ability to export first-rate aircraft to customers who request them. They also pointed out that the incorporation of the Su-57s represents a leap in capabilities for the Algerian Air Force.
According to unconfirmed reports, it is expected that another 14 Su-57 fighters could replace the current MiG-25s, as these models will be handed over to the Russian Aerospace Forces to be sent to Algeria in the next decade.
Su-57 characteristics
With a length of 19.8 metres, a wingspan of 14 metres and weighing 35 tonnes, the Su-57 fighters are known in Russia as the most powerful, best equipped and most modern of their kind. In the description that appears on the website of the Russian Ministry of Defence, the Su-57 fighters are ‘the perfect combination of manoeuvrability, stealth and power’.
‘With its supersonic cruising speed, high level of agility and advanced sensor suite, the Su-57 offers a combination of capabilities found in no other air weapon anywhere in the world,’ reads the official website of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
Its design aims to contain all its weaponry inside, making the plane an almost perfect machine. Among the arsenal it contains are the R-77M and R-74M air-to-air missiles, as well as the Kh-59MK2 and Kh-31 air-to-ground missiles.
Such is the modernity of these fighters that, at present, only the US F-35 and the Chinese J-20 can compete with them.
How are the Algerian Air Forces composed?
The backbone of the Algerian Air Force is made up almost entirely of military arsenal, formerly Soviet, and currently Russian.
The Air Force arsenal includes 63 Su-30MKA multi-role fighters and 40 MiG-29S/M/M2, 42 Su-24MK2 attack and reconnaissance aircraft and 16 Yak-130 training aircraft.33 Mi-24 Mk III and 42 Mi-28NE attack helicopters. The arrival of the Su-57s would represent a major advance that would reinforce its status as the most powerful air weapon in the region.
Furthermore, the Algerian Air Force operates 551 aircraft, including 102 fighters and interceptors, 22 attack fighters, 60 military transport aircraft, 87 training aircraft, 9 special mission aircraft and 3 air-to-air refuelling aircraft, according to the latest data published in 2020 by the military website Global Firepower.
