Russia to Supply Su-34s to Algeria?

The geopolitical balance of airpower in North Africa could be on the verge of a significant shift. Emerging open-source intelligence indicates that Algeria may soon become the first export customer for Russia’s Su-34 Fullback fighter-bomber, a development with major implications for regional security and strategic strike capabilities.

From Long-Standing Interest to Possible Delivery

Reports of Algeria’s interest in the Su-34 date back nearly a decade. In 2016, negotiations were rumored for the acquisition of around 14 aircraft as part of a broader modernization program. The North African nation has already demonstrated its willingness to invest in high-performance Russian platforms, most recently inducting Su-35 Flanker-E multirole fighters into service.

The latest clue came from Russia’s Zhukovsky airfield, where an Su-34M was photographed wearing a desert camouflage scheme not seen in Russian service. This livery, combined with export-specific configurations, has fueled speculation that the aircraft is bound for Algeria.

The Su-34: Russia’s Tactical Bomber Workhorse

Derived from the Su-27 Flanker family, the Su-34 is designed for deep strike missions with precision-guided munitions, while retaining strong air-to-air defensive capabilities.

The Su-34M variant, which Algeria is likely to receive, incorporates improved avionics, new weapons integration, enhanced survivability systems, and compatibility with modern targeting pods.

If deliveries are confirmed, Algeria would gain long-range strike capability unmatched in the Maghreb region. The Su-34’s combination of payload, range, and precision would allow the Algerian Air Force to project power across vast distances—covering all of North Africa, parts of Southern Europe, and deep into the Sahel.

This capability complements the air superiority role of the newly inducted Su-35s, creating a high-low mix of heavy strike and air dominance platforms.

The acquisition would elevate Algeria’s deterrence posture against potential adversaries, strengthen Russia-Algeria defense ties amid Moscow’s pivot towards non-NATO arms markets, potentially drive modernization races among neighboring air forces, particularly Morocco, which has invested heavily in F-16V platforms and increase Algeria’s interoperability with other Russian-equipped air forces in Africa and the Middle East

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Conclusion

While there has been no official confirmation from Algiers or Moscow, the appearance of export-configured Su-34Ms in desert camouflage is a strong indicator that the deal is moving forward. If delivered, the Su-34 will represent a transformational leap in Algeria’s ability to conduct deep strike and maritime strike operations, cementing its place as one of Africa’s most capable air forces.

The coming months will reveal whether these sightings were a glimpse into Algeria’s near-future arsenal—or a rare misdirection in the opaque world of international arms sales.

Algeria to Purchase 14 SU-30

Russia and Algeria have signed a contract for the sale of 14 SU-30.
Algeria is one of Russia's biggest defense customers and already has 44 of Russia's heavy multi-role Su-30MKI fighter jets in service. A total of 28 of the planes were delivered under a 2006 contract, and 16 more were delivered under a 2010 contract.
The latest Algerian Su-30 contract was signed in the spring of 2015, but the deal has only been announced now.
The deal is the second contract announced this week for new Su-30 fighters.
On Tuesday, Russian Defense Minister announced that the Russian military had signed an agreement with Irkut for eight of the newer variants of the fighter jet, known as the Su-30SM.
Russian military is preparing to sign a 75-fighter contract by the end of the year. Irkut is expected to complete deliveries under a 2011 contract for 60 of the Su-30SM fighters.
themoscowtimes

Bangladesh and Belarus to get Yak-130 in 2015

Russia will supply 14 Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced jet trainer aircraft to Bangladesh in 2015, with two more to follow next year.
Bangladesh had originally planned to acquire 24 such aircraft, but this was curtailed for financial reasons.
Bangladesh has become the second export customer for the Yak-130, after Algeria procured 16 aircraft in 2011.
Belarus too would receive four Yak-130s, following a contract that was signed in late 2012. Irkut is also negotiating with Armenia and Uzbekistan about YAK-130.
janes

A400M Is In Algeria for Tests, pics from DAAK-Boufarik Air Base

RT "@KRATOS1989: @JMESPARCIA it's in Algeria for test....the pics are from DAAK (Boufarik Air Base) pic.twitter.com/s96QKevHhs"

— Luis Marin (@luisg_marin) enero 4, 2015

No C-17 delivered to Algeria, Boeing confirms

Algeria has not received into service a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter, the manufacturer confirmed on 17 December.
A C-17 in Algerian Air Force (al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Jaza'eriya) markings was reported to have landed at Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport on 10 December, the Secret Difa3 blog reported eyewitnesses as saying. However, it has since emerged that this may have in fact been an aircraft belonging to the Qatar Emiri Air Force, though it is unclear how the roundels could have been confused.
With the C-17 production line due to close down in early 2015, there had been speculation that Algeria's interest may have come too late.
When Boeing announced the line closure in 2013, it said it was to build additional aircraft, dubbed 'white-tails', in the expectation that customers would be found (India and Kuwait were the only contracted customers still to receive aircraft at the time of the announcement).
According to Boeing, there were 10 white-tails remaining before the company recently sold two "to an undisclosed customer". The identity of this customer remains unknown.
In November Australia signed for four more aircraft, leaving just four of the white-tail C-17s available. Canada is reportedly interested in acquiring another aircraft, India has previously stated that it would like a further six (although the numbers on the line no longer remain for this to happen), and there are reports that New Zealand has expressed an interest in one or two as well. Earlier reported interest from NATO and the Partnership for Peace nations for additional aircraft is no longer there. The same is true for the United Kingdom, which had suggested procuring more aircraft but will not now do so.
With its current strategic transport inventory made of the Soviet-era Ilyushin Il-76 'Candid' platforms, and with its tactical C-130H Hercules platforms having been procured from the United States in the early 1980s, Algeria has been looking to update its airlift capabilities.
To this end, it ordered six Airbus Defence and Space (DS) C295 tactical transport aircraft in 2005, five of which have been delivered. In addition to the C295 and still desired C-17 procurements, Algeria has also expressed interest in the Airbus DS A330-200 MultiRole Tanker Transport (MRTT) and Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, although again there has been no confirmation of any contract having been placed.
As indicated by these latest procurements and expressions of interest, Algeria is increasingly looking to buy Western rather than Russian military equipment across its fleet types.
In 2009 AgustaWestland signed a contract for up to 100 helicopters (following on from a 2007 order for Merlin and Lynx search-and-rescue helicopters) for Algeria, and US company General Atomics has reportedly been in discussions with regard to its Predator-series unmanned aerial vehicle. In addition, the country has also been linked to the possible sale of Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Saab Gripen E/F, and Dassault Rafale fighters, as well as Saab Erieye and Boeing 737 airborne early warning aircraft.
janes

Algeria may have received C-17 airlifter

A C-17 in Algerian Air Force (al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Jaza'eriya) markings landed at Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport on the same day as the announcement, the Secret Difa3 blog reported eyewitnesses as saying.
Boeing has previously confirmed Algerian interest in the C-17, but had not responded to a request for comment. In September 2013 Boeing told IHS Jane's that the company was in the early stages of negotiations with Algeria for a number of different types of aircraft, including the C-17.
jane

Algeria evaluating Chinese CH-4 UAV

Algeria is evaluating the Chinese CH-4 UAV and is reportedly very interested in acquiring the type, which can be armed with guided weapons.
The CH-4, developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA), has been undergoing testing with the Algerian military for some months. One is reported to have crashed during testing at the Algerian Air Force’s base at Tindouf several months ago while a second one crashed on Sunday at the Ain Oussera Air Base. The UAV came down 100 metres short of the runway whilst preparing to land.
In spite of the crashes, Algeria is apparently still very interested in acquiring the CH-4 ,inspired by the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper. The UAV, with a takeoff weight of 1.3 tons and a payload of 350 kg, has a wingspan of 18 metres and a length of 8.5 metres. Top speed is 235 km/h and operational altitude is 3000-3500 metres, while combat radius is 2000 km and endurance is 36 hours.
defenceweb

Algerian Air Force Performs Trials With A330 MRTT

The Algerian air force (AAF) has been conducting trials with the Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft.

Demonstrations of the aircraft, using an airframe that is destined for the U.K. Royal Air Force, are understood to have taken place earlier this month at Boufarik airbase, the AAF’s main transport airfield near Algiers.

Anthony Osborne-aviationweek