Su-35 Jets Spotted Flying in Algerian Air Force Colours

Su-35 fighter jets painted in Algerian Air Force colors were recently spotted, with reports suggesting they originate from a canceled Egyptian order.

The Algerian Air Force recently conducted its first operational training flight with Su-35s from Oum Bouaghi Air Base. This move is viewed as a sign of increasing defense cooperation between Algeria and Russia and part of Algeria's broader strategy to modernize its air force.

Algeria reportedly acquired the Su-35 aircraft after Egypt canceled its $2 billion deal with Russia in 2020 due to U.S. sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). While some of these Su-35s were initially expected to go to Iran, unconfirmed reports indicate that a portion was diverted to Algeria.

Algeria’s interest in advanced Russian fighter jets dates back to 2016 when the Su-35 was tested at the Tamanrasset air base. In 2019, Algeria reportedly signed an agreement to purchase 14 Su-35 jets along with Su-34 and Su-57 aircraft, making it one of the largest buyers of Russian defense technology outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Algeria’s Su-35 fighters are equipped with AL-41F-1S engines for extended range, the Irbis-E radar for long-range target detection, and thrust-vectoring nozzles for enhanced maneuverability. There are also discussions about upgrading Algeria’s Su-30MKA fleet with similar technology.