Satellite Spots Russian Su-35 Jets in Algerian Colours

A Russian-built Su-35 fighter jet, originally painted in Egyptian camouflage, has been spotted at an Algerian airbase with new Algerian Air Force markings, raising fresh questions about a quiet arms transfer caught by satellite.

An Algerian source told Defense Mirror that the deal to buy Su-35 aircraft was finalized two years ago and has only now come to light due to satellite imagery.

Images from Maxar Technologies, dated March 2, 2025, show at least one Su-35 being loaded onto a Russian An-124-100 transport aircraft at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant in Russia’s Far East. The aircraft carried an Egyptian-style camouflage, but its wingtips were removed, consistent with standard transport preparations.

On March 5, what appears to be the same Su-35 was recorded at Ain Beida Airbase in Algeria. By March 10, new satellite imagery captured the same jet now featuring Algerian Air Force markings — blending Egyptian camouflage with its new operator’s insignia.

Egypt cancelled its order for Su-35s in 2018 due to U.S. sanctions threats under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

By early April 2025, at least four additional Su-35 jets bearing Algerian markings were spotted at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant, suggesting they are being prepared for delivery.

Defense analysts from the Military Balance blog, run by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), confirm that these deliveries represent Algeria’s growing acquisition of Russian aircraft.

Algeria already operates Su-30MKA fighters and in February 2025 signed a contract for Su-57E fifth-generation fighters, although delivery timelines remain uncertain.

“Algeria will be the first African country to field a full lineup of Russian-made air superiority fighters — Su-30s, Su-35s, and Su-57s,” noted IISS in its latest assessment.