Algeria’s state-owned television disclosed the acquirement of the Russian Su-57 Felon fighter jet months after the reports of an undisclosed customer.
In November 2024, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev announced the first export of Russia’s latest fighter jet, but the state-owned firm responsible for arms exports has been tight-lipped about the customer ever since. However, according to Defence Blog, the Algerian government recently decided to make the sale known through state television.
The report from the state television also states that the pilots’ training has already begun, and the deliveries will begin this year.
If these reports are true, it means that Russia is overcoming the issues with Su-57’s production to the point of being able to deliver new jets to export customers despite the ongoing war with Ukraine.
The jet’s production schedule has been plagued with delays spanning years, and the fighter has seen fairly limited use in Ukraine compared to other combat aircraft (Su-35, Su-27, Su-34...).
Algeria is among the loyal customers of the Russian military aviation industry. Its air force’s combat wing is formed by MiG-29s and twin-seater Su-30s.
While Su-57’s stealth characteristics are questionable from the frontal aspect due to exposed fan blades, the aircraft still has significantly lower observability than Algeria’s existing fighters, thanks to form optimisations and radar-absorbent materials.
Su-57 can use most of Su-35’s armament from its external weapon stations, while internal weapon bays are more restrictive than one could expect. The options for internal bays include K-77M BVRAAM, Izdeliye 810 long-range BVRAAM, KAB-250/500 guided bombs, and Kh-59MK2 cruise missiles.
