Algerian TV Unveils Major Revelation: Nation’s Pilots Undergoing Su-57 Felon Training in Russia
"Algerian pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia, and the delivery of the Su-57 fighter jets is expected to take place this year," Algeria’s state-owned television reported.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Algeria’s state-owned television has officially unveiled a game-changing revelation—confirming that the North African nation is the first export customer for Russia’s cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon—bringing months of speculation to a definitive end.
This groundbreaking confirmation comes just days after ROSOBORONEXPORT Director Alexander Mikheev’s bold announcement that the first export customer of the Su-57E fighter jet is set to receive and deploy the cutting-edge multirole aircraft within the year.
Mikheev made the revelation at Aero India 2025, where Russia proudly showcased its formidable Su-57 fighter.
The Algerian television station stated, “Algerian pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia, and the delivery of the (Su-57 fighter jet) is expected to take place this year.”
However, no details were provided regarding the number of Su-57s Algeria is acquiring or the cost of the procurement.
Unofficial reports hint at a strategic move by Algeria, suggesting that the nation may initially secure just six Su-57 fighter jets. If confirmed, this could signify a calculated first step—deploying an initial batch for evaluation before ramping up acquisitions in the near future.
During the Airshow China 2024 aerospace exhibition in Zhuhai, China, last November, Mikheev also announced that Russia had signed its first export contract for the Su-57E Felon, the export variant of the fifth-generation fighter jet.
However, he did not disclose the identity of the first export customer.
“We have signed our first (foreign customer) contract,” he said, adding that global interest in Russia’s fifth-generation fighter was high.
At the time of the announcement, Algeria was widely speculated to be the first export customer of the Su-57.
The North African nation has long been one of Russia’s primary arms markets on the continent, second only to India.
The Algerian Air Force operates several key Russian-made fighter jets, including the Su-30MKA, MiG-29, and Su-24.
Algeria has shown interest in the Su-57 fighter jet for several years, with previous media reports suggesting that the Algerian Air Force aimed to acquire up to 14 units of the Russian-made fifth-generation fighter.
In 2020, media reports indicated that the Algerian government had allocated funds for the acquisition of modern weapon systems under its military modernization program for the 2021-2027 period.
Algeria’s acquisition of the Su-57 fighter jets is believed to be a response to neighboring Morocco’s procurement of F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets from the United States.
Recent media reports also suggest that Morocco, which maintains close defense ties with the United States and Israel, is considering acquiring Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets from the U.S.
The Su-57E is equipped with advanced avionics that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) to assist the pilot, effectively acting as a virtual co-pilot.
Its radar system, the N036 Byelka, is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, offering superior detection and tracking capabilities compared to the Irbis-E radar used on the Su-35BM.
The latest version of the Su-57 is reportedly fitted with the advanced Product 30 (Izdeliye 30) or AL-51F1 engine, featuring a flat nozzle and deflectable thrust vectoring control.
The second-stage AL-51F1 engine is the final component required for the Su-57 to fully meet Russia’s fifth-generation fighter criteria.
These criteria include multirole capabilities, stealth technology, ultra-maneuverability, pilot situational awareness, a high payload capacity for long-range precision-guided missiles, and sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.
Compliance with the final criterion—sustained supersonic flight without afterburners—is achieved through the second-stage engine.
The Su-57 fighter jet represents an impressive feat of engineering.
Its ability to reach Mach 2 speeds without using afterburners highlights its advanced design and cutting-edge technology.
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA
