Algeria secures Sukhoi Su-35 fighters despite waiting for Su-57

Algeria, a North African country, has made headlines with the acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-35 fighters. On March 13, 2025, these modern aircraft were delivered to Oum el Bouaghi Air Base in Oum el Bouaghi Province, marking a significant step in Algeria's military modernization efforts. However, this purchase is seen as a temporary solution while Algeria awaits its order of the more advanced Sukhoi Su-57 jets, of which it is technically the first foreign buyer. The context surrounding this decision reveals that Algeria's acquisition of the Su-35 was influenced by earlier complications with an intended purchase of fighter jets from Egypt. The delays in the production schedules for the Su-57 pushed Algeria towards accepting the Su-35 as a stopgap measure. Analysts believe that this rapid delivery aligns with the geopolitical shifts and Algeria’s historical reliance on Soviet and Russian military technology. In the past, Algeria maintained a fleet comprised of various Russian-made aircraft, including Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-30MKA fighters, along with even older Sukhoi Su-24 tactical bombers. The Su-35, despite not being classified as a fifth-generation fighter, offers a significant upgrade over Algeria's existing military hardware. The decision to acquire this aircraft also reflects the broader trends of military modernization among North African nations who face new security challenges. As Algeria moves forward, the implications of these military acquisitions could have ramifications on its relationship with neighboring countries and major global powers. Countries like Egypt and the growing interest from Morocco in advanced fighter jets, such as the Lockheed Martin F-35, suggest a potentially shifting power dynamics in the region. The ongoing developments will likely bear watching as Algeria prepares for future defense strategies and its eventual receipt of the Sukhoi Su-57 jets, which are expected to bolster its air force capabilities significantly.