Algeria adds the Su-35 fighter to its arsenal and strengthens its air power
The Russian Su-35 fighters acquired by Algeria appear to be the aircraft originally manufactured for Egypt.
According to information published by the Algerian Star Ship account, the Algerian Air Force has begun receiving its first Russian Su-35 heavy fighter jets, becoming the third operator of this model worldwide after China and Russia.
A video allegedly showing Algerian Su-35s in training flights was reportedly recorded near Oum El Bouaghi Air Base. Based on their paint scheme, these aircraft appear to be part of the batch originally manufactured for Egypt, whose order was canceled in 2018 due to the threat of economic sanctions imposed by the United States under the CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act).
The jets were later expected to be transferred to Iran in an exchange deal for ballistic missiles and drones. However, it seems the transaction did not materialize, or possibly, Tehran only acquired part of the batch. Ultimately, Russia appears to have placed the remaining Su-35s with Algeria.
Initially, Algeria had not planned to acquire the Su-35, as its focus was on the more advanced Su-57. However, it is likely that Russia offered these fighters at a highly competitive price to offset the loss of other export contracts.
The Algerian Armed Forces have historically been one of the primary operators of Russian weaponry, and its Air Force is among the most powerful in the region, with a fleet that includes MiG-29, Su-24, and Su-30MKA fighters.
The Su-35 represents an upgrade over the Su-30MKA, currently Algeria’s main air superiority fighter, featuring more powerful engines, an advanced radar system, and overall superior performance. Additionally, it is compatible with the latest Russian air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry, further enhancing the air power of the North African country, which maintains an intense arms race with its regional rival, Morocco.
AUTOR
Apasionado por la aviación, la historia, la política y la defensa. Editor-in-Chief en Aviacionline Defensa, combinando estos conocimiento para ofrecer un contenido valioso sobre temas estratégicos y de seguridad.
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