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ANJ, 10 April - Recent satellite imagery has provided compelling evidence that Russia has redirected at least five Su-35 fighter jets, originally intended for Egypt, to Algeria. This development marks a significant shift in the trajectory of these advanced multirole aircraft, which are among the most capable in Russia’s arsenal. The Su-35 Flanker-M, known for its agility, advanced avionics, and formidable combat capabilities, has been a sought-after asset for nations looking to bolster their air forces. The confirmation of this transfer underscores Algeria’s growing military ties with Russia and raises questions about the geopolitical dynamics at play in North Africa and the broader Middle East.
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The story of these Su-35s begins with an earlier deal between Russia and Egypt. In 2018, Egypt signed a contract with Russia for the purchase of over 20 Su-35 jets, a deal reportedly worth around $3 billion. The agreement was intended to modernize Egypt’s aging air force, which has historically relied on a mix of Soviet-era aircraft and Western-supplied jets like the F-16. However, the delivery of these aircraft faced significant hurdles. Pressure from the United States, which has long been a key military partner to Egypt, reportedly played a role in stalling the deal. Under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), the U.S. threatened punitive measures against countries purchasing Russian military hardware. Faced with the risk of losing American military aid and support, Egypt appears to have backed away from taking delivery of the Su-35s, leaving the jets in limbo at Russian facilities.
Satellite imagery now reveals that at least five of these aircraft have found a new home in Algeria. One of the jets, identifiable by its Algerian Air Force roundel and a camouflage scheme matching that of the Egyptian batch, was spotted at Ain Beida/Oum el Bouaghi Air Base in eastern Algeria. Additional images from March 2025 show a disassembled Su-35 being loaded into an An-124 Condor transport aircraft at Komsomolsk-on-Amur, the Russian Far East city where these fighters are manufactured. This evidence aligns with reports that Algeria has emerged as a new buyer for the jets, capitalizing on Egypt’s hesitation and Iran’s stalled negotiations for the same aircraft. While the exact number of Su-35s delivered to Algeria remains unclear, some sources suggest that at least four additional jets at Komsomolsk-on-Amur have been marked with Algerian insignia, hinting at a potentially larger transfer. Algeria’s acquisition of the Su-35s reflects its long-standing military relationship with Russia, which has supplied the North African nation with a range of equipment, including Su-30 fighters, MiG-29 jets, and S-400 air defense systems. The Su-35, with its supermaneuverability and long-range strike capabilities, represents a significant upgrade for the Algerian Air Force, enhancing its ability to project power in the region. This move comes at a time when Algeria is modernizing its military to maintain a strategic edge, particularly in light of regional rivalries, such as its tense relationship with Morocco. The transfer also highlights Russia’s determination to maintain its influence in Africa, despite international sanctions stemming from the Ukraine conflict.
The redirection of these jets from Egypt to Algeria carries broader implications. For Egypt, it signals a prioritization of its alliance with the United States over deeper ties with Russia, a decision that may limit its access to cutting-edge Russian technology. For Russia, the successful sale to Algeria demonstrates resilience in its arms export market, even as it navigates Western pressure. Meanwhile, the possibility remains that some of the Su-35s originally built for Egypt could still end up in Iran, which has long sought to modernize its outdated air force. A split deal, with Algeria and Iran each receiving a portion of the jets, cannot be ruled out based on current evidence. As of April 10, 2025, the satellite imagery offers a snapshot of a fluid situation. The presence of Su-35s in Algeria is now a confirmed reality, but the full scope of this transfer—and its impact on regional security—will likely become clearer as more details emerge. What is certain is that Russia’s strategic maneuvering and Algeria’s military ambitions have converged, reshaping the aerial landscape of North Africa.