Algeria – First Su-57 Customer Unveiled
Algeria has officially confirmed plans to acquire Russia’s Su-57 “Felon” stealth fighter jets, becoming the first international customer for this advanced fifth-generation aircraft. The announcement, made on February 12, 2025, via Algerian state television, revealed that Algerian pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia, with initial deliveries anticipated to commence later this year.
This procurement aligns with Algeria’s longstanding defense relationship with Russia, its primary military equipment supplier. The Algerian Air Force already operates a fleet of Russian-made aircraft, including Su-30MKA fighters and MiG-29s, and maintains S-300 air defense systems. The integration of the Su-57 is poised to enhance Algeria’s capabilities, reinforcing its status as one of Africa’s most formidable air forces.
The Su-57, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi company, is designed to rival other fifth-generation fighters such as the U.S. F-35 Lightning II and China’s J-20. It boasts advanced stealth features, supermaneuverability, and cutting-edge avionics. However, said advantages over the fighter jet may be limited due to known issues on the jet’s radar signature.
While specific financial details of the Algerian deal remain confidential, reports suggest that the export version of the Su-57 is “significantly cheaper” than its Western counterparts, offering a cost-effective solution for advanced aerial defense.
This acquisition is a strategic component of Algeria’s ongoing military modernization efforts, aimed at maintaining regional air superiority and bolstering national defense. The first Su-57s are expected to be operational within the Algerian Air Force by the end of 2026. According to leaks claimed by Defence24 Algeria will procure 14 Su-57E to equip a single squadron. For Russia, securing Algeria as the inaugural foreign buyer of the Su-57 marks a significant event in its efforts to expand the aircraft’s presence in international markets. Previous attempts to engage countries like Turkey and India did not finalize procurement agreements, making the Algerian contract particularly important from Moscow’s perspective. With this procurement Russian chances of attracting new customers from South America and Asia drastically increase.
The Su-57 made its maiden flight in 2010 and entered service in 2020. The aircraft is powered by two turbofan engines with afterburners and vector thrust nozzles, providing exceptional maneuverability. It is equipped with a GSh-30-1 30mm cannon and has internal weapon bays to reduce radar signature, along with six external pylons for additional munitions. The Su-57’s advanced avionics include the Sh121 AESA radar, enabling detection of long-range targets and engagement of multiple threats simultaneously while maintaining stealth. Despite its relatively low cost in comparison to the F-35, the jet has been manufactured in small numbers. Its introduction into Russian Air Force proved painfully slow with only several aircraft operational by 2025.
Algeria’s decision to procure the Su-57 underscores its commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and maintaining technological advantage over regional adversaries. The procurement solidifies its defense ties with Russia, ensuring continued cooperation in the realm of advanced military technology, as the government in Algiers is strongly dependent on deliveries of Russian jet engines and other pieces of equipment. However, the ongoing War in Ukraine may cause temporary delays in weapons transfer, as by this time Russian exports drastically suffered from constantly rising domestic needs.