Satellite imagery has confirmed that Algeria has received Su-35 Flanker-M multirole fighters from Russia, marking the country as a new operator of this advanced aircraft.
The images, provided by Maxar Technologies and dated March 2, 2025, show at least one Su-35 being loaded onto a Russian An-124-100 transport aircraft at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant in Russia’s Far East.
The fighter, which bore an Egyptian-style camouflage, had its wingtips removed for transport, a standard procedure for such operations. By March 5, what appears to be the same Su-35 was recorded at Ain Beida Airbase in Algeria. Just five days later, on March 10, new satellite imagery revealed the jet now sporting Algerian Air Force markings, seamlessly blending its original Egyptian camouflage with the insignia of its new operator.
This particular Su-35 is believed to be part of a batch originally intended for Egypt but never delivered, due to US pressure. These aircraft had also been linked to a potential sale to Iran in previous reports. Notably, Algeria had already been identified as the first export customer for Russia’s next-generation Su-57 Felon fighter, adding another layer to its growing relationship with Russian aerospace technology.
Firm evidence of the Su-35 in Algerian Air Force service appears in commercially available satellite imagery, including from Google Earth, dated March 10. Previously, similar imagery had been published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a UK-based think tank. One of the jets, with an Algerian Air Force roundel on its left wing, is seen at Ain Beida/Oum el Bouaghi Air Base in eastern Algeria. The camouflage scheme matches that of Su-35s originally built for Egypt but which remained in Russia.
Earlier satellite imagery from March 2 shows a disassembled Su-35 being loaded into an An-124 Condor transport aircraft in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. On March 5, an An-124—assumed to be the same one—appeared at Ain Beida/Oum el Bouaghi Air Base. A Su-35 was first noted in satellite imagery at the same base on March 10.
In addition to the satellite evidence, videos have been circulating on social media for several weeks, purportedly showing Su-35s flying in Algerian airspace, though these have not been officially verified. Algeria’s acquisition of the Su-35 positions it as the first African nation to operate a full suite of Russian-made air superiority fighters, including the Su-30, Su-35, and the forthcoming Su-57.
Currently, the Algerian Air Force boasts a formidable fleet, including 63 Su-30MKA and 40 MiG-29S/M/M2 multirole fighters, 42 Su-24MK2 strike/reconnaissance aircraft, and 16 Yak-130 combat trainers. Its rotary-wing assets include 33 Mi-24 Mk III and 42 Mi-28NE attack helicopters, according to 2024 data from FlightGlobal.
The Su-35 itself is a highly advanced derivative of the Su-27M and Su-37 programs, featuring significant upgrades in engine performance, avionics, and radar systems. Unlike some of its predecessors, the Su-35 does not rely on canards for maneuverability, instead utilizing thrust-vectoring technology. Powered by two AL-41F-1S turbofan engines, the aircraft can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.25 and has an operational range of 3,600 kilometers.
It is capable of sustaining 9-g maneuvers and is equipped with the Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar, which can detect targets at distances exceeding 350 kilometers. Some variants also feature secondary AESA radars in the wing roots. The cockpit is outfitted with digital glass displays, and the airframe incorporates lighter composite materials and reinforced structures for enhanced durability.
Algeria’s deepening ties with Russian defense technology were further highlighted in February of this year when state-run media announced that the country would be the first foreign buyer of the Su-57. This followed a statement from Russian officials indicating that an undisclosed foreign customer would begin receiving Su-57s in 2025.
While the Su-35 delivery does not preclude the acquisition of the Su-57, unconfirmed reports suggest that Algeria may initially receive only six Su-57s, possibly for evaluation purposes, with the potential for additional orders in the future. The arrival of the Su-35 in Algeria occurs against the backdrop of ongoing regional competition with Morocco, which operates a fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons. Morocco’s air force includes approximately 23 F-16 Block 52+ aircraft, with upgrades to the Block 70/72 standard currently underway.
These fighters are equipped with APG-68 radars and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, offering a combat range of 550 kilometers on internal fuel, which can be extended with external tanks. In recent years, Morocco has also reportedly sought to acquire the F-35 Lightning II, with Israeli media suggesting a potential deal for 32 aircraft valued at over $17 billion. Negotiations for the F-35 reportedly began in 2020, with Israeli support helping to facilitate discussions with U.S. authorities.
Despite the lack of official confirmation from either Algeria or Russia regarding the Su-35 transfer, the satellite imagery provides compelling evidence of a significant shift in regional airpower dynamics. Algeria now joins Russia, China, and Iran as the fourth operator of the Su-35, a development that could influence defense procurement decisions across North Africa and the broader Mediterranean region.
Tensions with Morocco over the disputed Western Sahara territory continue to shape defense policies in both countries, and the introduction of the Su-35 into Algeria’s arsenal may prompt further modernization efforts in neighboring states. France and the United States, both of which maintain strategic interests in the Mediterranean, are closely monitoring these developments.
Algeria’s airspace defense needs are particularly acute given its 2,400-kilometer coastline and borders with seven countries, including Libya and Mali, where instability and terrorism remain persistent challenges. The Su-35’s long operational range, advanced radar capabilities, and versatile weapon systems are likely to enhance Algeria’s ability to conduct border surveillance and counterterrorism operations, especially in the volatile Sahel region.
Reports have also surfaced suggesting that Algerian pilots may undergo training in Russia to operate the new fighters, though these accounts have not been officially confirmed. The long-term role of the Su-35 within Algeria’s broader force structure remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether the aircraft will replace older platforms such as the MiG-25 and MiG-29 or serve to expand the overall fleet size.
