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Algeria has officially joined the ranks of advanced airpower operators with the induction of the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E) multirole fighters, as confirmed by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) on 8 April 2025—a milestone previously reported by Defence Security Asia and now corroborated by high-resolution satellite intelligence.
In a calculated and rapid move reflective of mounting regional rivalry, Morocco has commenced field testing of the U.S.-made Patriot air defence system—a development seen by military observers as a direct strategic response to Algeria’s induction of the Russian-made Su-35 Flanker-E and its anticipated acquisition of the fifth-generation Su-57 Felon stealth fighter later this year.
Algeria has reportedly begun operating the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet, marking a significant milestone in its military modernization program, while at the same time is also rumored to be the first confirmed export customer of Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 Felon, further cementing its strategic defense partnership with Moscow.
Just months after Ukraine’s Air Force integrated F-16 fighter jets into its fleet, a former senior official has conceded that these Western-supplied aircraft are ill-equipped to challenge Russia’s Su-35 in direct air-to-air combat.
The skies over the eastern Mediterranean have become yet another battlefield between Russia and France, as a Russian Su-35 fighter jet executed aggressive and provocative maneuvers against a French MQ-9 Reaper drone on a surveillance mission in international airspace.
The veil of secrecy shrouding Iran’s acquisition of the formidable Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets is about to be lifted, as Tehran is reportedly preparing for a highly anticipated public unveiling of its cutting-edge Russian-made warplanes on March 19.
Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov emphasized that the contract to supply Su-35 fighter jets to the Southeast Asian nation has not been canceled and “remains in effect.”
Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets will enter service with the Iranian Air Force this year, significantly boosting the country’s air capabilities, which have long relied on aging aircraft.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has reportedly received its first two Sukhoi Su-35SE fighter jets from Russia on November 18.
Iran is reportedly set to receive six Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia in the near future, with the aircraft likely to be stationed at Hamadan Air Base.