A Resurrection of the Algerian Foxbat
The Algerian Air Force has breathed new life into some of its Soviet-built Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat aircraft, which were retired a few years ago. These formidable aircraft recently participated in a significant aerial display to mark the 70th anniversary of the start of the revolt against French rule on November 1.
A Storied History
At the end of 2022, the Algerian Air Force retired its last squadron of MiG-25 heavy interceptors. These aircraft made their final flights during the country’s 60th independence anniversary celebrations. Initially, fifteen MiG-25s were in service at the beginning of 2022, including 11 combat variants and four reconnaissance variants. At its peak, the fleet was estimated to have nearly 40 aircraft. Algeria was one of the four major foreign operators of the MiG-25, alongside Libya, Iraq, and Syria. However, geopolitical events and conflicts led to the decline of MiG-25 operations in those countries, leaving Algeria as a unique custodian of this iconic jet.
The Algerian Air Force received its first batch of MiG-25s in 1978, including 20 interceptors and nine reconnaissance variants, complemented by 150 R-40 air-to-air missiles. These deliveries came 14 years after Algeria received its first Soviet fighters, the MiG-15BiS, MiG-15UTI, and MiG-17 jets, followed by Il-28 bombers in 1965. The MiG-25 fleet was further expanded with follow-up orders before the end of Foxbat production in 1985.
Notable Deployments and Performance
In 1988, during a congress of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) hosted by Algeria, the Algerian Air Force used MiG-25s to enforce a no-fly zone, patrolling the area continuously. This deterrent proved effective when Israeli F-15s approached Algerian airspace and were forced to turn back upon the scrambling of additional MiG-25s. The MiG-25’s reputation for invulnerability was well-earned, with Israeli forces previously unable to down Soviet-operated MiG-25s using F-4 fighters.
Throughout the 1980s, Algerian MiG-25s frequently patrolled the western Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean amid heightened tensions with Morocco and Spain. The Foxbats’ superior range, altitude, and speed made them a formidable force, with Moroccan fighters often refraining from engaging and Spain purchasing F-18s in response.
However, the MiG-25’s near invulnerability declined with the introduction of the AIM-120 air-to-air missile by the U.S. Air Force in the 1990s, which boasted active radar guidance and superior flight performance compared to its predecessors. Although Algeria modernized its MiG-25s with fourth-generation avionics, the aircraft lost their elite status to the Su-30MKA fighters, which comfortably surpassed the Foxbat in all performance parameters except for speed and altitude, while also requiring significantly less maintenance.
Algeria’s MiG-25s are thought to be the most capable ever to enter service, and were upgraded extensively in the 1990s to the latest standards in terms of avionics and sensors. Their very high operational costs and questions regarding their continued viability as air to air missile technologies continue to improve has nevertheless created a strong incentive for retirement.
Recent Aerial Display
During the aerial display on November 1, around 15 aircraft participated, including Sukhoi Su-24 Fencers, Su-30s, MiG-29s, and the presidential flight A340-500 and Gulfstream G550. This flypast symbolized the enduring strength and modernization of the Algerian Air Force.
Algeria boasts the largest air force among the G-4 members in terms of aircraft numbers, with over 600, and ranks second in personnel, with 14,000 members. The Su-30 serves as the frontline fighter, complemented by MiG-29 Fulcrums and Su-24 Frogfoots.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Algeria’s anti-air and aerial denial strategy will include Russian-made A-100 Beriev AWACS, S-500 and S-400 air defense systems, and Su-35 and Su-57 fighters. This advanced arsenal aims to significantly mitigate threats from next-generation fighters, bombers, and hypersonic missiles. In 2023, Algeria signed a contract for at least 14 Su-57 fifth-generation fighters, with deliveries expected to start by 2025.