Russia’s Su-35 Fighter Jet Transfer to Algeria
In March 2025, satellite imagery captured a compelling scene: a Russian An-124 cargo aircraft was photographed transporting Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia to Algeria. These jets, initially intended for Egypt, now signal a major realignment in Russia’s defense export priorities—and highlight Algeria’s expanding military ambitions in North Africa.
This quiet but significant pivot, confirmed by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) on April 8, 2025, offers a glimpse into the future of global arms deals amid geopolitical pressures. Let’s explore how and why this transfer unfolded, what it means for Algeria’s military posture, and how it fits into the broader arms race involving the U.S., Russia, and China.
From Egypt to Algeria: How the Su-35s Switched Destinations
The Su-35s delivered to Algeria were originally part of a 2018 order placed by Egypt—over 20 aircraft valued at roughly $3 billion. However, intense pressure from the United States, particularly under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), caused Egypt to back out. With fully assembled, unsold jets sitting idle in Russia’s Komsomolsk-on-Amur production facility, Moscow had to act fast.
Enter Algeria, a long-time ally of Russia and Africa’s largest arms importer from Moscow. Satellite images from March 2, 2025, revealed a Su-35 in Egyptian-style camouflage being loaded onto an An-124. By March 5, that plane had arrived at Ain Beida (Oum el Bouaghi) Air Base in northeastern Algeria. Just five days later, photos confirmed the aircraft now bore Algerian Air Force insignia. Additional images confirmed at least four more Su-35s similarly marked—suggesting the start of a broader delivery wave.
Why Algeria? Strategic Reasons Behind the Deal
Algeria’s decision to snap up the Su-35s is rooted in both military needs and regional strategy. With over 70 Su-30MKAs, 40 MiG-29s, and other Soviet-era aircraft, Algeria’s air force was due for a modernization leap. The Su-35 fits perfectly into this vision.
Positioned between the instability of Libya and an arms-race-prone Morocco, Algeria sees the Su-35 as a tool of deterrence and regional dominance. Morocco, which operates modernized F-16 Block 52+ jets (with plans to upgrade to Block 70/72 and possibly acquire F-35s), is a direct rival. In this environment, the Su-35’s superior range, radar, and air-to-air capabilities are essential assets for Algeria.
Moreover, Algeria’s military budget—boosted by vast oil and gas exports—reached $25.1 billion in 2023, giving it ample flexibility to make high-value purchases like the Su-35.
Su-35 Specifications: A 4++ Generation Powerhouse
The Sukhoi Su-35, known in NATO as the “Flanker-E,” is a single-seat, twin-engine multirole fighter jet bridging the gap between Soviet-era fighters and modern fifth-generation stealth aircraft. Its key features include:
- Engines: Two Saturn AL-41F1S thrust-vectoring engines enabling supermaneuverability.
- Speed: Capable of speeds up to Mach 2.25 (~1,500 mph).
- Combat Radius: Around 994 miles without external fuel tanks.
- Radar: The Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar detects targets up to 250 miles away.
- Armament: 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon, 12 hardpoints carrying up to 17,600 pounds of munitions (air-to-air missiles, cruise missiles, and precision-guided bombs).
Its ability to perform dramatic maneuvers like the Pugachev Cobra and dominate both air superiority and ground-attack missions makes it a formidable platform in Algeria’s arsenal.
A Deal Born from Setbacks: The Egypt and Iran Detours
Egypt’s original deal collapsed due to Washington’s warnings over CAATSA, which penalizes countries buying major Russian military hardware. By 2021, satellite images confirmed at least 12 Su-35s assembled but undelivered.
Russia tried pivoting to Iran, which had shown interest but prioritized air defense systems. Only in January 2025 did Tehran confirm a modest Su-35 order. Meanwhile, Algeria’s less-aligned foreign policy and deep defense ties with Russia made it the ideal recipient.
Strategic Implications for North Africa
This Su-35 acquisition alters the balance of power in North Africa:
- Against Morocco: The Su-35 surpasses Morocco’s current F-16s in maneuverability and radar capability. However, any future acquisition of the stealthy F-35 by Rabat could shift the advantage back.
- In Libya and the Sahel: Algeria supports the UN-recognized government in Tripoli and could deploy Su-35s as a deterrent against Turkish or Emirati intervention. The aircraft also offers support potential for anti-terror operations in the Sahel region.
- Across the Mediterranean: The move reflects Russia’s strategy to consolidate influence in North Africa as its Middle Eastern leverage wanes.
Russia’s Motivations: Arms Exports Under Pressure
Russia’s arms export market has shrunk due to Western sanctions and its prolonged involvement in Ukraine. With Middle Eastern customers like Egypt stepping back, Algeria offers a stable and friendly buyer.
The Su-35 deal also helps Russia maintain production levels and sustain its aerospace industry. Vadim Badekha, CEO of United Aircraft Corporation, pledged on March 29, 2025, that Su-35 and Su-57 production would ramp up—but real output remains modest. Only seven Su-57s were delivered in 2023–2024.
Operational Challenges: Will the Su-35s Deliver?
Despite its impressive specs, the Su-35 isn’t without issues:
- Sanctions Impact: Sanctions could limit spare parts and maintenance support, potentially grounding jets over time.
- Pilot Training: The Su-35’s full potential relies on skilled pilots and intensive training programs. Russia may struggle to deliver this under current constraints.
- Combat Track Record: In Syria, the Su-35 proved effective in air patrols and precision strikes. But in Ukraine, it suffered losses from Western air defense systems, including the Patriot missile.
These factors mean Algeria’s integration of the jets must go beyond procurement—it requires logistical resilience and long-term planning.
Global Reactions and Future Outlook
The Su-35 transfer reverberates beyond North Africa:
- U.S. Policy: The U.S. must now reconsider its engagement strategy in Algeria, which remains largely outside NATO’s sphere. CAATSA limits its ability to counter Russian influence effectively.
- France’s Concerns: The transfer comes after a Su-35 reportedly intercepted a French Reaper drone in March 2025, highlighting the geopolitical tensions now playing out in the skies above the Mediterranean.
- China’s Opportunity: With Russia’s arms export reliability in question, China may step in to promote its J-10 or J-16 fighters as alternatives for future Algerian purchases.
In Short : A Strategic Gamble or Masterstroke?
For Russia, the Su-35 deal with Algeria is a lifeline—keeping aircraft moving out of storage and into service while bolstering ties with a key North African ally. For Algeria, it’s a strategic bet on long-range air superiority and deterrence capabilities.
But the deal’s long-term value hinges on more than the aircraft themselves. Training, logistics, and political alignment will shape whether this transfer becomes a turning point in Algerian military power—or a costly gamble with limited return.
As the Su-35s take flight under Algerian colors, one thing is clear: the global arms landscape is shifting fast, and North Africa is now at the center of that transformation.
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