First Su-35 for Algerian Air Force
Recently, the al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jaza'iriya (Force Aérienne Algérienne, Algerian Air Force) began operating the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter aircraft from Aïn Beida Air Base (Oum Bouaghi) in northeastern Algeria.
The Su-35 fighters were originally manufactured for Egypt, which placed an order in 2018 but later withdrew due to Western economic and political pressures. A proposed transfer of these aircraft to Iran did not materialize, as Tehran reportedly prioritized air defense systems over additional fighters.
Reports indicate that Algeria has acquired 14 of the 28 aircraft originally built for Egypt. The exact role of the Su-35 within the Algerian Air Force remains unclear, it is uncertain whether the aircraft will expand Algeria’s fighter fleet or replace older units. Initially, Algeria was not expected to acquire Su-35s, as its next planned fighter was the more advanced fifth-generation Su-57 Felon. In February 2025, it was confirmed that Algeria had ordered the Su-57, with deliveries expected before the end of the year.
However, analysts suggest that Algeria’s acquisition of the Su-35 is linked to delays in the Su-57 production schedule, serving as an interim solution. The decision may have also been influenced by cost-effective acquisition terms, the availability of surplus aircraft from previous export deals, and the need to sustain combat readiness while awaiting next-generation fighters.
Introducing a limited number of Su-35s alongside the Su-30MKA was previously considered unlikely due to maintenance complications and the lack of revolutionary new capabilities.
Neither Algeria’s Ministry of National Defense nor Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, has commented on the delivery of the Su-35. This silence aligns with Algeria’s longstanding practice of maintaining discretion in military acquisitions, particularly amid regional tensions with neighboring Morocco.
The backbone of the Algerian Air Force already consists of the Su-30MKA, a heavily enhanced ‘4+ generation’ derivative of the Su-27 Flanker. Over 70 Su-30MKAs are currently in service, featuring technologies such as thrust-vectoring engines for extreme maneuverability and an N011M phased array radar.
Credit photo (Su-35 originally destined for Egypt): Vyacheslav Grushnikov (via Russianplanes.net)