RuAviation

The Algerian Air Force is reportedly gearing up to operate the Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter as early as 2025, according to Algérie solidaire.

“Algeria will become the second country south of the Mediterranean, after Israel, to operate fifth-generation combat aircraft,” the report stated.

According to the well-regarded Algerian source Sada El Djuyouch, the first six aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2025, with a further six following in 2026. The contract for the supply of 14 Su-57 fighters was supposedly signed in 2021.

However, as far back as 2019, MENA Defense reported that a contract had been signed for Algeria to acquire 14 Su-57 fighters. The decision was allegedly made in the summer of 2019, following a visit by an Algerian delegation to the MAKS Air Show in Moscow.

During this visit, organised by Air Force Commander Major General Boumaiza, the Su-57 was scrutinised in detail, and a former Algerian MiG-29 pilot became one of the few foreigners to experience the Russian stealth fighter in a simulator. He, supposedly, “made the decision on future acquisitions after five years of stalling and wasted time.”

In November 2024, at the Zhuhai Airshow, Rosoboronexport announced the signing of the first export contract for the Su-57E, without disclosing the buyer’s name. This announcement raised eyebrows in expert circles, as it was previously thought that Su-57 exports would only begin after orders for the Russian military, planned until 2028, had been fulfilled. Furthermore, Western sanctions, imposed following the commencement of the special military operation in Ukraine, could potentially impact Su-57 production by restricting access to certain critical technologies.

Nonetheless, an increase in Su-57 production rates to 12 aircraft per year, beginning in 2023, allows Russia to commence export deliveries this year, not only fulfilling contractual obligations but also generating additional funds to finance further development of the Su-57 programme. The version of the aircraft supplied to Algeria might not be the final configuration and may require upgrades, particularly in terms of engines, radar cross-section (RCS) reduction measures, avionics, and armament.

Despite potential limitations in the initial configuration, acquiring the Su-57 will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Algerian Air Force. The aircraft will be integrated into the weapons system alongside upgraded Su-30MKA fighters in the SM2 variant. Even in its baseline configuration, the Su-57 will considerably boost the combat potential of the Algerian Air Force in the face of growing competition from 4++ generation fighters such as the French Rafale, Eurofighter, and F-16V, as well as the presence of fifth-generation F-35 fighters in the region.

Rosoboronexport’s head, Alexander Mikheev, confirmed plans for the commencement of Su-57 operations by the first foreign customer in 2025. The announcement was made at the Aero India 2025 exhibition in Bangalore. The delivery of the Su-57E will mark an important stage in the development of Russian-Algerian military-technical cooperation and will strengthen Russia’s position in the global arms market.