Algerian Air Force
Algeria is a country located in the northern part of the African continent, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and by size it is the largest country in Africa. To the east it borders Tunisia and Libya, to the south and southwest Niger, Mali, and Mauritania, and to the west Western Sahara and Morocco. In the past it was part of the French colonial empire; since 1962 it has been an independent state. It is a traditional ally of China and Russia in the region, yet Algeria consistently insists on maintaining an independent foreign policy orientation. For example, it does not permit the establishment of foreign military bases on its territory.
Algerian Air ForceAlgerian Air Force
Petr Uzsák
The history of the Algerian Air Force began
even before independence was declared. Pilot
training started as early as 1957 in Syria, and
additional personnel were later sent for study
to Egypt, Iraq, China, and the Soviet Union.
The air force was officially established in 1959,
during the height of the struggle against French
colonial forces. The first aircraft arrived in 1962
from Egypt, forming the material foundation of
this branch of the armed forces.
At present, Algeria militarily dominates
the North African region, with approximately
620 aircraft in service. This places it 24th
in the global ranking of air forces. Its main
striking power consists of Russian multirole
aircraft Sukhoi Su-30MKA, Su-35, and
MiG-29 in various versions, together with
Su-24M bombers. In terms of specific
numbers, 35 MiGs and 33 Su-24M bombers
are available. There are 63 Su-30MKA combat
aircraft, plus another nine ordered, while
15 more modern Su-35s are expected,
although it is unclear whether all have
already been delivered. Training is currently
underway on these aircraft prior to achieving
operational status. Incidentally, an unpleasant
affair was associated with the delivery of
MiG-29SMT (factory type 9.19) aircraft, which
briefly strained relations with Russia. After
delivery, the Algerians discovered that the
airframes were not newly manufactured
but older, previously used aircraft merely
modified to the new version. The aircraft were
immediately returned to the supplier, and
following negotiations the Russian side offered
Su-30MKA aircraft at a discounted price as
compensation. However, even the Sukhois may
not be the optimal choice, as Egypt previously
refused to purchase Su-35s due to issues
Algeria is a country located in the northern part of the African continent,
on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and by size it is the largest country
in Africa. To the east it borders Tunisia and Libya, to the south and southwest
Niger, Mali, and Mauritania, and to the west Western Sahara and Morocco.
In the past it was part of the French colonial empire; since 1962 it has been
an independent state. It is a traditional ally of China and Russia in the region,
yet Algeria consistently insists on maintaining an independent foreign policy
orientation. For example, it does not permit the establishment of foreign
military bases on its territory.
Thanks to its mineral wealth and exports, the national economy enjoys
substantial revenues. The country possesses significant reserves of oil
and natural gas, as well as deposits of various metals and phosphates.
The textile and food industries are also important. Tourism is limited due
to a demanding visa process and underdeveloped tourist infrastructure.
On the other hand, the country continues to face socio-economic challenges,
such as youth unemployment, which also contributes to outward migration.
Algerian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules (7T
-
WHT) at RAF Waddington in 2012.
Photo: Aeroprints.com
ALGERIAN AIR FORCE
INFO Eduard24
March 2026