Washington, DC, February 5 - The United States State Department is actively reviewing the possibility of imposing sanctions on Algeria following reports of the North African nation's acquisition of Russia's advanced Su-57 fighter jets. During a recent hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Robert Palladino, head of the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, described media accounts of Algeria's purchase as "concerning." He emphasized the department's commitment to enforcing the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which targets significant transactions with Russia's defense sector. This legislation aims to deter countries from engaging in major arms deals with Moscow, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Algeria confirmed its purchase of the Su-57E export variant in early 2025, marking it as the first international customer for Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter. The Su-57, known for its advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and stealth features, represents a significant upgrade for the Algerian Air Force, which has long relied on Russian-supplied aircraft to modernize its fleet and replace aging platforms. The deal underscores Algeria's continued strategic partnership with Russia in defense procurement, despite international pressures to diversify suppliers.
The potential application of CAATSA sanctions could have broad implications for Algeria, including restrictions on financial transactions, defense cooperation, or access to certain technologies. U.S. officials have indicated that such acquisitions undermine efforts to limit Russia's military-industrial revenue streams. While the State Department continues diplomatic engagement with Algiers on shared interests, including regional security matters, the Su-57 transaction has heightened scrutiny in Washington. The review process reflects a broader U.S. policy to counter arms transfers that bolster adversaries.
As deliberations proceed, the outcome remains uncertain, with any sanctions decision requiring careful consideration of bilateral relations and regional stability in North Africa. Algeria's pursuit of the Su-57 highlights the complexities of global arms markets, where strategic autonomy and geopolitical alignments often intersect with economic and security concerns.
