Algeria has officially confirmed its acquisition of Russia’s Su-57 Felon stealth fighter jets, becoming the first foreign country to purchase this fifth-generation aircraft.
The announcement, made via Algerian state television, revealed that Algerian pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia. The first deliveries of the jets are expected to begin later this year.
Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms export agency, had earlier disclosed an order for the Su-57 from an undisclosed foreign buyer. Although Russian officials did not name the customer at the time, the recent confirmation from the Algerian government has clarified the situation.
In November 2024, Russian officials stated that the first export agreements for the Su-57 had been signed, but details about the purchasing country were withheld. Algeria’s confirmation aligns with previous reports that indicated the North African nation was a key interested party, given its history of procuring advanced Russian military equipment.
Algeria has a longstanding relationship with Russian defense hardware, having previously acquired platforms such as Su-30MKA fighters, MiG-29s, and S-300 air defense systems. The addition of the Su-57 is set to enhance Algeria’s aerial capabilities, strengthening its position as one of Africa’s most advanced air forces.
The Su-57, known by NATO as “Felon,” is a multi-role fighter developed by Soukhoï. First flown in 2010 and entering service in 2020, the Su-57 is designed for missions including air superiority, ground attacks, reconnaissance, and strikes. It incorporates stealth technologies and advanced avionics, making it competitive with other next-generation fighters like the F-35. Each unit is estimated to cost around $50 million.
The Su-57 is Russia’s response to Western fifth-generation fighters such as the U.S. F-35 Lightning II and China’s J-20. Moscow has highlighted the Su-57’s advanced stealth, supermaneuverability, and next-generation avionics. While exact terms of the deal remain undisclosed, Russian officials have suggested that the export version of the Su-57 would be more affordable than its Western counterparts, especially the F-35, though no specific pricing details have been released.
The Russian Aerospace Forces began receiving series-built Su-57 aircraft in 2022, with a total order for 76 units, a relatively small production run.
In 2022, at least six Su-57s were delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces, and more than ten were handed over in 2023. However, the numbers declined again in 2024, with likely only two or three more aircraft received.
The slow pace of deliveries has been affected by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent international sanctions, which show no signs of easing. These sanctions, along with Russia’s increasing isolation, have also diminished the prospects of export success. To generate foreign interest, Russia has proposed local production of the Su-57, aiming to attract sales from countries like India and the United Arab Emirates.
Russia has attempted to leverage the Su-57’s alleged combat performance in Syria and Ukraine to boost interest in the fighter. However, the operational evaluation in Syria seems to have been very limited, and few specific details have emerged regarding the Su-57’s use in the war in Ukraine. Notably, at least one, possibly two, Su-57s were hit by Ukrainian drones at an air base deep inside Russia.
Algeria’s purchase is part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its military and maintain strategic air superiority in North Africa. Although delivery timelines are not clear, reports suggest that the first Su-57s could be operational within the Algerian Air Force by the end of 2026.
Russia has long aimed to expand the Su-57’s presence in international markets, previously seeking interest from countries such as Turkey and India.
At the MAKS 2021 international aerospace show, Alexander Mikheyev, CEO of Rosoboronexport, mentioned that there were requests for the Su-57E fighter from five countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, and Europe. This announcement prompted Morocco, Algeria’s regional rival, to explore acquiring the F-35 Lightning II from the United States. In January 2022, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz disclosed that Morocco had sought Israel’s help in convincing the Biden administration to approve the F-35 sale and obtain advanced weaponry.
This interest from Morocco followed reports of Algeria’s negotiations with Russia for the Su-57. In 2018, the Algerian Air Force placed orders for 14 Su-57 and 18 Su-35 fighter jets to complement its existing fleet of Su-30MKA fighters, with both jets set to enter service this year.
Tensions in the region have risen in recent years, particularly over the Western Sahara conflict, with Algeria supporting the Polisario Front. Israeli media reported that the UAE had offered to cover the cost of F-35 jets if the United States approved the sale to Morocco.
The latest generation of the F-35 multirole fighter is estimated to cost around $78 million per unit. Experts believe Morocco’s improved ties with the US and Israel could facilitate the acquisition of the F-35, granting Morocco a strategic advantage over its North African neighbors, including Egypt.
Recent Israeli media reports suggest that Morocco is advancing its plans to acquire Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II jets. According to the newspaper Identité Juive, Morocco is set to become the first Arab and African country to procure U.S. F-35 fighter jets. The deal, expected to include 32 F-35 aircraft at a cost exceeding $17 billion, represents a substantial modernization of Morocco’s air force.
Negotiations for the deal began in 2020, with Morocco seeking Israel’s assistance to expedite the process and overcome political hurdles with U.S. authorities. The acquisition aims to modernize Morocco’s air force and provide a strategic edge amid rising tensions with Algeria over the Western Sahara conflict.
