Algeria Bolsters Air Force with Russian Fighter Jets, Escalating Regional Tensions

Algeria is stepping up a gear in its arms race. "Algeria has recently begun to bring into service Russian Sukhoi Su-35S fighters, in a move that strengthens its air power and reflects the depth of the military partnership with Russia," reports Africa Military, specialized in African military affairs. In 2018, the Algerian army had concluded an agreement with Moscow for the acquisition of 24 fighter jets of this model. Algiers is considering acquiring other Russian weapons, including the Su-57 stealth fighter. In February, the country had ordered two squadrons of Su-57s (about 24 aircraft), becoming the first foreign customer for this fighter jet," reported Algerian national television, adding that "Algeria has always been one of the largest importers of Russian arms, ranking second after India".

This arms race could accelerate Rabat’s acquisition of the world’s most modern aircraft, namely the American F-35s, analyzes the same source, noting that "the United Arab Emirates has offered to finance the purchase of these stealth fighters. "The equipment of the Algerian army with Sukhoi 35 fighters is part of the traditional military partnership between Algeria and Moscow," said Abdelrahmane Mekkaoui, an expert in strategic and military affairs, to Hespress. According to him, these planes have played certain roles in the war in Ukraine and the Syrian civil war. "The combat and technical characteristics of this Russian fighter are somewhat similar to those of the American F-18," the expert specified, noting that "many reports have also mentioned Algeria’s acquisition of a squadron of Sukhoi 57 stealth fighters".

Regarding the possible acquisition by Morocco of modern aircraft, Mekkaoui confirmed that the negotiations between Morocco and the United States have reached advanced stages. "The American options offered to Morocco are the F-35 or the F-22. The latter constitute a very good choice for the Moroccan army, as they are far superior in operability to the Sukhoi 35 and are exploited by only a very limited number of countries in the world, including Israel," he specified, also stating that negotiations with the French side have not stopped either for the acquisition of Rafale fighters. According to his explanations, Morocco’s choice of these aircraft depends on several factors, including price, operational and combat capabilities, maintenance and pilot training.

"The armament of the Moroccan and Algerian armies with the most modern aircraft on the global arms market guarantees a balance of deterrence in the region," analyzed the expert, stating that "the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces are also working to expand their use of drone technologies, which have demonstrated, in several theaters of operations around the world, their ability to ensure air superiority independently of conventional fighter jets, despite their technological advances".