Exclusive: Algeria eyed as first export buyer of Russia's Su-57E stealth fighter jet.

Speculation is intensifying around Algeria as the potential first export customer for Russia’s Su-57E stealth fighter following an announcement made by the Russian State Defense Agency Rosoboronexport during the 2024 Airshow China in Zhuhai. Russia revealed it had secured an international buyer for its fifth-generation fighter but declined to disclose the customer's identity, sparking widespread debate. Among the potential candidates, Algeria stands out due to its long-standing military ties with Russia and its ongoing efforts to modernize its air force with next-generation technology.
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Russia's Su-57E stealth fighter on display at Airshow China 2024, where Rosoboronexport announced its first international sale of the fifth-generation aircraft. (Picture source: Weibo aero_jack-li)

Algeria has historically been one of Russia’s most significant arms clients, consistently acquiring advanced military hardware to maintain its strategic edge in North Africa. The Algerian Air Force already operates a robust fleet of Russian-manufactured aircraft, including Su-30MKAs, MiG-29s, and Su-24 strike jets. This history of cooperation has cemented Algeria’s reputation as a key partner in Moscow’s defense export strategy, making it a logical choice for introducing the Su-57 to the international market.

Over the past decade, defense ties between Algeria and Russia have deepened significantly, driven by Algeria’s strategic focus on upgrading its military capabilities and diversifying its arsenal with state-of-the-art systems. Between 2010 and 2020, Algeria signed major contracts for advanced platforms, including Su-30MKAs and MiG-29M/M2 fighters, as well as modernized T-90S main battle tanks. Russia also supplied Algeria with sophisticated air defense systems, such as the S-300PMU-2 and, more recently, the S-400 Triumf, underscoring the importance of their partnership. These agreements reflect Algeria's reliance on Russian expertise to counterbalance NATO-supplied assets in the region.

This partnership extends beyond equipment sales to include joint training and technical cooperation. Algeria regularly participates in Russian-led military exercises, and its personnel undergo training in Russian academies to operate and maintain advanced systems. The collaboration highlights a mutual trust that has allowed Algeria to acquire sensitive technologies such as Iskander ballistic missile systems. This decade of cooperation has not only bolstered Algeria’s defense posture but also reinforced its role as a pivotal Russian ally in North Africa.

The Su-57, Russia’s first operational fifth-generation fighter, is central to this speculation. Combining stealth, agility, advanced avionics, and multi-role capability, it represents the pinnacle of Russian aeronautical engineering. Its airframe incorporates composite materials and a reduced radar cross-section to evade detection, while its twin high-thrust turbofan engines enable it to achieve supersonic cruise speeds without afterburners, known as supercruise. The fighter is equipped with an AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems, and networked sensors, allowing it to function as a command-and-control node in network-centric operations. Its internal weapons bays maintain its stealth profile while accommodating a versatile mix of K-77M air-to-air missiles and Kh-59MK2 precision-guided munitions, among others.

The Su-57 has also proven itself in combat scenarios. During Russia's involvement in Syria, the fighter was deployed to test its capabilities, including precision strikes on high-value targets and the use of electronic warfare in contested environments. In the ongoing Ukraine conflict, it has been utilized in a limited capacity, leveraging its long-range sensors and stand-off missile capabilities. These operational experiences have helped validate the Su-57's systems and refine both the domestic and export variants, making the Su-57E a highly attractive option for nations like Algeria seeking cutting-edge technology.

Reports of Algeria’s interest in the Su-57 have circulated for years. As early as 2019, sources indicated Algeria’s intent to procure at least 14 units of the advanced fighter, making it the first international operator of Russia’s most advanced aircraft. Subsequent reports in 2020 suggested that Algeria had allocated funding under its 2021–2027 defense modernization plan to acquire cutting-edge military systems, including fifth-generation fighters like the Su-57. This timeline aligns with the recent announcement, with the first deliveries of the Su-57E expected to commence as early as 2025.

For Algeria, acquiring the Su-57 would counterbalance recent arms purchases by neighboring Morocco, which has procured a fleet of F-16C/D Block 72 fighters from the United States. This rivalry has fueled an arms race in North Africa, with both nations seeking to secure technological and operational advantages. Introducing a fifth-generation stealth fighter into its arsenal would allow Algeria to maintain air superiority and assert its dominance in the region.

The implications of such a deal extend beyond regional dynamics. If confirmed, Algeria’s purchase of the Su-57E would mark a significant milestone for Russia’s defense industry, as the aircraft’s first export sale would demonstrate its growing appeal in the global arms market. It could also heighten tensions with NATO countries, given Algeria’s proximity to Europe and its alignment with Moscow, further intensifying the geopolitical competition between Russian and Western defense exports.

While the buyer's identity remains officially undisclosed, all signs point to Algeria as the likely candidate. If confirmed, this acquisition would underline the strength of Algeria’s defense partnership with Russia and signal its ambition to lead the military landscape in North Africa.