Algeria Threatened with U.S. Sanctions for Purchasing Russian Su-57 Fighter Jet

The U.S. has reportedly warned Algeria it could face sanctions over the reported purchase of Russian Su-57E fighters, citing concerns under U.S. sanctions law.

Robert Palladino, head of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, raised the issue during a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He allegedly said the administration could act under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which targets significant defence transactions with Russia.

“We are working closely with the Algerian government on issues where we find common ground. At the same time, we have serious differences on many other topics, and the arms deal is an example of what the United States considers problematic,” Palladino told lawmakers, as per multiple reports. He added that Washington is using diplomatic tools “to protect our interests and stop what we consider unacceptable.”

Algeria confirmed the purchase of Su-57s in February 2025, making it the first foreign customer for the aircraft. Internal documents from Russia’s state-owned Rostec corporation also indicated plans to supply advanced fighter jets to Algeria.

Deliveries are scheduled for the end of this year, and Algerian pilots are already undergoing training in Russia.