Algeria Inducts Sukhoi Su-35: Strengthening Air Dominance Amid Regional Power Shifts

The Algerian Air Force recently conducted its first operational training flight with the Su-35 from Oum Bouaghi Air Base, a development that underscores Algeria’s growing defense ties with Russia.

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By admin Last updated Mar 14, 2025

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – 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.

The Algerian Air Force recently conducted its first operational training flight with the Su-35 from Oum Bouaghi Air Base, a development that underscores Algeria’s growing defense ties with Russia.

This move comes as Russia seeks to redefine its military posture in the Mediterranean and North Africa, particularly after the loss of its strategic foothold in Syria, where its Hmeimim Air Base has faced growing uncertainty due to regional instability.

While there has been no official confirmation from Algiers or Moscow, multiple intelligence reports indicate that Algeria signed a 2018 contract with Russia to acquire 24 Su-35 Flanker-E fighters, further solidifying its position as one of the most capable air forces in Africa.

Interestingly, speculation suggests that these 24 Su-35s now in Algeria’s possession were originally intended for Egypt, which was forced to abort its acquisition due to intense diplomatic and economic pressure from Washington under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Egypt had signed a $2 billion agreement in 2018 to procure two dozen Su-35s, with deliveries expected to commence by 2020.

However, under pressure from the United States, which threatened severe economic sanctions, Cairo had no choice but to cancel the order.

Unverified reports suggest that several Su-35s built for Egyptian specifications were already completed and ready for delivery but never reached Egyptian soil.

This situation presented an opportunity for Algeria, which swiftly moved in to secure the jets, reinforcing its air superiority in North Africa while simultaneously expanding Russia’s military footprint in the region.

Algeria’s pursuit of the Su-35S has been a long-standing interest.

As early as 2016, reports surfaced that the Algerian Air Force had tested the Su-35 in Tamanrasset, a desert air base used for advanced evaluations.

According to sources, Algerian pilots were impressed with the aircraft’s maneuverability, sensor fusion, and extended combat range.

In 2019, Russian newspaper Kommersant claimed that Algeria had finalized a purchase contract for 14 Su-35s, in addition to orders for the Su-34 Fullback strike aircraft and the Su-57 Felon, making Algeria one of Russia’s most valued defense customers outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Despite the lack of official acknowledgment, a combination of satellite imagery, airbase activity, and delivery schedules suggests that the Su-35S is now an operational part of Algeria’s aerial fleet.

For Algeria, acquiring the Su-35S is about more than just fleet expansion—it represents a critical step in maintaining its air dominance over the region.

Currently, more than 70 Su-30MKA fighters form the backbone of the Algerian Air Force.

These jets, introduced in 2006, were among the most sophisticated Su-30 variants ever produced, featuring French and Russian avionics tailored to Algeria’s needs.

At the time, the Su-30MKA gave Algeria a decisive technological edge over most African and Arab nations, including its long-standing rival, Morocco.

However, as regional air forces continue to modernize, particularly with Morocco’s F-16 Vipers receiving major upgrades, Algeria recognized the need to elevate its aerial warfare capabilities.

The Su-35S strengthens Algeria’s air combat effectiveness, offering:

Powerful AL-41F-1S engines for superior thrust and endurance.
Advanced Irbis-E radar, capable of tracking targets over 350 kilometers away.
Enhanced stealth features, reducing its radar cross-section compared to earlier Flanker variants.
Supermaneuverability, allowing it to execute combat maneuvers that traditional fourth-generation jets cannot match.

While the Su-35S does not radically transform Algeria’s air doctrine, it enhances mission efficiency, extends situational awareness, and ensures air superiority against potential threats.

There is speculation that Algeria may upgrade its existing Su-30MKA fleet with Su-35 technology, incorporating AL-41F-1S engines for improved fuel efficiency and thrust, the Irbis-E radar to significantly enhance detection range, and thrust-vectoring nozzles to boost dogfight maneuverability, ultimately bringing the aircraft closer to 4++ generation performance standards while maintaining fleet commonality.

However, integrating two different Flanker variants could present logistical challenges, particularly in terms of maintenance, spare parts, and pilot conversion training.

Unless Algeria opts for a larger fleet of Su-35s, the benefits of maintaining two separate Flanker platforms may be limited.

The Su-35 is the culmination of decades of evolution within the Su-27M Flanker program. Developed as part of Russia’s next-generation air superiority initiative, the aircraft underwent multiple redesigns, including the Su-37 demonstrator, which pioneered thrust-vectoring technology to enable extreme agility in combat scenarios.

Russia’s aggressive push to market the Su-35 internationally has resulted in export deals with:

China (24 units, delivered under the PLA Air Force)
Egypt (contract canceled under U.S. pressure)
Algeria (newest confirmed operator)

Compared to earlier Flanker variants, the Su-35S boasts modernized avionics, improved sensor fusion, and a more efficient propulsion system, making it one of the most lethal 4++ generation fighters in the world.

Powered by twin AL-41F-1S turbofan engines, the Su-35S boasts an impressive Mach 2.25 top speed and an operational range of 3,600 kilometers, enabling extended missions with superior endurance.

Designed for high-agility aerial combat, the aircraft can withstand 9-g maneuverability limits, giving it an edge in dogfights and evasive maneuvers.

Its Irbis-E Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA) radar provides a detection range exceeding 350 kilometers, allowing it to track and engage targets at extended distances with exceptional precision.

Additionally, some variants are equipped with optional secondary AESA radars, strategically positioned in the wing roots to enhance situational awareness and targeting efficiency, further solidifying the Su-35S as one of the most advanced 4++ generation fighters in operation today.

Additionally, the Su-35’s electronic warfare suite and countermeasure systems significantly boost its survivability in highly contested airspace, ensuring Algerian pilots have a cutting-edge advantage in future conflicts.

The induction of the Su-35S into Algeria’s arsenal is not just a routine acquisition—it signifies a strategic shift in regional air power.

As geopolitical tensions rise across North Africa and the Mediterranean, Algeria’s decision to field the Su-35 alongside a potential Su-57 fleet signals its commitment to air superiority in the coming decades.

With Russia actively seeking to expand its defense partnerships, Algeria’s growing reliance on advanced Russian fighters may position it as a key player in future military dynamics across the African continent and beyond.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA

Algeria Inducts Sukhoi Su-35: Strengthening Air Dominance Amid Regional Power Shifts

The Algerian Air Force recently conducted its first operational training flight with the Su-35 from Oum Bouaghi Air Base, a development that underscores Algeria’s growing defense ties with Russia.

The Algerian Air Force recently conducted its first operational training flight with the Su-35 from Oum Bouaghi Air Base, a development that underscores Algeria’s growing defense ties with Russia.

This move comes as Russia seeks to redefine its military posture in the Mediterranean and North Africa, particularly after the loss of its strategic foothold in Syria, where its Hmeimim Air Base has faced growing uncertainty due to regional instability.

While there has been no official confirmation from Algiers or Moscow, multiple intelligence reports indicate that Algeria signed a 2018 contract with Russia to acquire 24 Su-35 Flanker-E fighters, further solidifying its position as one of the most capable air forces in Africa.

Egypt had signed a $2 billion agreement in 2018 to procure two dozen Su-35s, with deliveries expected to commence by 2020.

However, under pressure from the United States, which threatened severe economic sanctions, Cairo had no choice but to cancel the order.

Unverified reports suggest that several Su-35s built for Egyptian specifications were already completed and ready for delivery but never reached Egyptian soil.

This situation presented an opportunity for Algeria, which swiftly moved in to secure the jets, reinforcing its air superiority in North Africa while simultaneously expanding Russia’s military footprint in the region.

Algeria’s pursuit of the Su-35S has been a long-standing interest.

As early as 2016, reports surfaced that the Algerian Air Force had tested the Su-35 in Tamanrasset, a desert air base used for advanced evaluations.

According to sources, Algerian pilots were impressed with the aircraft’s maneuverability, sensor fusion, and extended combat range.

Despite the lack of official acknowledgment, a combination of satellite imagery, airbase activity, and delivery schedules suggests that the Su-35S is now an operational part of Algeria’s aerial fleet.

For Algeria, acquiring the Su-35S is about more than just fleet expansion—it represents a critical step in maintaining its air dominance over the region.

Currently, more than 70 Su-30MKA fighters form the backbone of the Algerian Air Force.

These jets, introduced in 2006, were among the most sophisticated Su-30 variants ever produced, featuring French and Russian avionics tailored to Algeria’s needs.

At the time, the Su-30MKA gave Algeria a decisive technological edge over most African and Arab nations, including its long-standing rival, Morocco.

However, as regional air forces continue to modernize, particularly with Morocco’s F-16 Vipers receiving major upgrades, Algeria recognized the need to elevate its aerial warfare capabilities.

The Su-35S strengthens Algeria’s air combat effectiveness, offering:

Powerful AL-41F-1S engines for superior thrust and endurance.

Advanced Irbis-E radar, capable of tracking targets over 350 kilometers away.

Enhanced stealth features, reducing its radar cross-section compared to earlier Flanker variants.

Supermaneuverability, allowing it to execute combat maneuvers that traditional fourth-generation jets cannot match.

While the Su-35S does not radically transform Algeria’s air doctrine, it enhances mission efficiency, extends situational awareness, and ensures air superiority against potential threats.

However, integrating two different Flanker variants could present logistical challenges, particularly in terms of maintenance, spare parts, and pilot conversion training.

Unless Algeria opts for a larger fleet of Su-35s, the benefits of maintaining two separate Flanker platforms may be limited.

Russia’s aggressive push to market the Su-35 internationally has resulted in export deals with:

China (24 units, delivered under the PLA Air Force)

Egypt (contract canceled under U.S. pressure)

Algeria (newest confirmed operator)

Compared to earlier Flanker variants, the Su-35S boasts modernized avionics, improved sensor fusion, and a more efficient propulsion system, making it one of the most lethal 4++ generation fighters in the world.

Powered by twin AL-41F-1S turbofan engines, the Su-35S boasts an impressive Mach 2.25 top speed and an operational range of 3,600 kilometers, enabling extended missions with superior endurance.

Designed for high-agility aerial combat, the aircraft can withstand 9-g maneuverability limits, giving it an edge in dogfights and evasive maneuvers.

Its Irbis-E Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA) radar provides a detection range exceeding 350 kilometers, allowing it to track and engage targets at extended distances with exceptional precision.

Additionally, some variants are equipped with optional secondary AESA radars, strategically positioned in the wing roots to enhance situational awareness and targeting efficiency, further solidifying the Su-35S as one of the most advanced 4++ generation fighters in operation today.

Additionally, the Su-35’s electronic warfare suite and countermeasure systems significantly boost its survivability in highly contested airspace, ensuring Algerian pilots have a cutting-edge advantage in future conflicts.

The induction of the Su-35S into Algeria’s arsenal is not just a routine acquisition—it signifies a strategic shift in regional air power.

As geopolitical tensions rise across North Africa and the Mediterranean, Algeria’s decision to field the Su-35 alongside a potential Su-57 fleet signals its commitment to air superiority in the coming decades.

With Russia actively seeking to expand its defense partnerships, Algeria’s growing reliance on advanced Russian fighters may position it as a key player in future military dynamics across the African continent and beyond.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA