New evidence suggests that Algeria may soon acquire Russia’s advanced Su-34M strike fighter, a move that would significantly boost the North African nation’s aerial combat capabilities and strategic reach.
- Algeria is likely to acquire Russia’s advanced Su-34M fighter jets to enhance its aerial combat capabilities.
- New footage reveals these jets, painted in a desert camouflage, possibly produced for Algeria’s operational environment.
- Reports suggest Algeria signed contracts in 2019 for multiple Russian aircraft, including Su-34Ms, Su-57Es, and Su-35Es.
Fresh footage from Russia confirms a small batch of Su-34Ms in an export configuration, supporting earlier reports of a signed contract between Moscow and a foreign client.
According to Military Watch Magazine, the appearance of these desert-toned aircraft “strongly indicates that the first batch of Su-34Ms for a foreign client is already in production.”
While Algeria and North Korea are both considered potential buyers, the distinctive desert brown-and-yellow camouflage, an export-only scheme, aligns closely with Algeria’s operational environment and procurement history.
Back in December 2019, Algerian defense publications reported the signing of multiple agreements with Moscow for a combined total of 42 aircraft—14 Su-34MEs, 14 Su-57Es, and 14 Su-35Es—with deliveries initially scheduled for completion by 2025.
Given these contracts, Algeria is widely speculated to be the recipient of the recently spotted newly produced Su-34M fighter-bombers, which have appeared in satellite and open-source imagery.
Defence Blog reports that the recent sighting suggests possible progress on long-delayed defense export contracts between Russia and Algeria.
Su-34M to boost Algeria’s defence capability
Russia’s decision to move forward with the export comes despite heavy domestic demand for the aircraft in Ukraine, where the Su-34M has been used with devastating effect since early 2023, particularly in deploying precision-guided glide bombs.
The Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant has reportedly doubled production since 2022, enabling the fulfilment of both domestic and foreign orders.
If confirmed, the acquisition would see the Su-34M replace Algeria’s aging Su-24M strike fighters. Analysts note that the Su-34M is competitively priced at under $10 million per unit, aided by favourable ruble exchange rates, making it a cost-effective yet highly capable replacement with similar operational expenses.
Egypt and Sudan, both operators of the Su-24M, are seen as potential future buyers. However, Egypt’s previous interest in acquiring new classes of Russian fighters stalled after its purchase of MiG-29M jets, due to threats of Western sanctions.
Algeria, by contrast, has the financial capacity, long-standing defence ties with Moscow, and a consistent track record as one of the top importers of Russian military aircraft.
The Su-34M represents a major leap in capability over its predecessor, offering nearly double the combat potential. It features advanced avionics, enhanced electronic warfare systems, reduced frontal radar cross section, and compatibility with next-generation weaponry such as the Kh-59MK2 cruise missile.
Its high endurance and missile range would enable Algeria to project power far beyond North Africa, potentially reaching targets as far as the Persian Gulf or central Europe.
If finalised, the deal would make Algeria the first export customer for the Su-34M, solidifying its position as the most heavily armed air force in Africa. It would also underscore Moscow’s growing defence footprint on the continent, as Algeria continues to invest in maintaining a technological edge over its regional rivals.
Olamilekan Okebiorun
