The Algerian Air Force Gets First Batch of Su-35 Fighter Jets From Russia

The Algerian Air Force has recently taken delivery of its first batch of Su-35 jets, marking a significant enhancement to its aerial capabilities.

Here are some of the key reasons behind Algeria’s decision to order these advanced fighters:

1. Upgrade of Aerial Fleet: Algeria sought to modernize its aging fleet with more technologically advanced and combat-effective aircraft. The Su-35, known for its super-maneuverability and advanced radar systems, provides a significant leap in performance over older models.

2. Strategic Military Enhancement: Facing regional security challenges, Algeria aims to deter potential threats and ensure air superiority with fighters that can engage multiple targets simultaneously at long ranges.

3. Geopolitical Considerations: Strengthening military ties with Russia not only diversifies Algeria’s arms suppliers but also aligns with its strategy to balance the influence of other foreign powers in the region.

4. Technological Advantage: The Su-35 brings advanced avionics, weapons systems, and electronic warfare capabilities that greatly enhance the effective range and operational versatility of Algeria’s air force.

5. Negotiation Leverage: Acquisition of such sophisticated military technology might also play a role in enhancing Algeria’s position in defense negotiations and partnerships worldwide.

6. Symbol of Prestige: Purchasing high-profile military equipment like the Su-35 serves as a statement of national prestige and technological prowess on the international stage.

Algeria’s investment in the Su-35 reflects a broader strategy to fortify its defense capabilities, promote national security, and assert a more prominent role in African and global security dynamics.

The Algerian Air Force has recently inducted the Su-35 ‘4+ generation’ fighter into its fleet, making it the third service globally after Russia and China to operate this advanced aircraft. The Su-35s, originally ordered by Egypt in 2018 but later cancelled, have now been redirected to Algeria, with the possibility of some having been allocated to Iran, who might have requested a customized version. The integration of these fighters into the Algerian military framework is under consideration, with debates on whether they will augment the existing fleet or replace older aircraft. This acquisition suggests a strategic move to enhance air capabilities, possibly in preparation for future needs or as a compensation for delays in acquiring other advanced fighters like the Su-57.

The expectation was that Algeria would bypass the acquisition of Su-35s in favor of the more advanced Su-57 Felon, confirmed for delivery by the end of 2025. The continuity in employing Flanker derivatives continues with the Su-30MKA, which forms a significant part of Algeria’s air force. Both the Su-30MKA and Su-35 share advanced heritage from Soviet-era projects, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as thrust vectoring for superior maneuverability and enhanced radar systems. However, the choice to integrate Su-35s instead of upgrading all current Su-30s might indicate a strategic pivot or an interim solution until the Su-57s are delivered.

The Su-35 brings notable advantages over the Su-30MKA, including longer range, advanced radar capabilities, and enhanced electronic warfare features. Its operational history in Ukraine has demonstrated its effectiveness in air-to-air combat, with unmatched kill records illustrating its dominance in the air. This combat experience could be a driving factor for Algeria’s acquisition, aiming to not only boost its air combat capabilities but also to ensure flexibility in its fighter fleet. There’s speculation that this procurement could be linked to operational cost savings through commonality with the Su-57’s engines or as a stop-gap while awaiting the delivery of the newer generation fighters.

Incorporating the Su-35 into the Algerian Air Force could lead to an upgrade in armament, possibly including the R-37M and R-77M air-to-air missiles, significantly enhancing the force’s missile capabilities. While the exact scale of Algeria’s Su-35 procurement remains undisclosed, it reflects a broader trend of modernizing and expanding its aerial military capabilities. This move might also indicate a strategic reshuffling to align more closely with contemporary warfare demands and the geopolitical dynamics of the region, ensuring Algeria maintains a robust and modern air force ready for various combat scenarios.