Strana 26
operates Chinese-origin systems (Wing Loong
II, Rainbow, WJ-700) as well as South African
Seeker drones. Domestic UAV production is
represented by the Yabhon Flash and United
types.
Among the new acquisitions of the air
force are some of the flagship products of
current Russian aircraft manufacturing. First
to be mentioned is the well-known Su-34E
bomber, with 14 planes reportedly scheduled
for delivery. Another type is the even more
prominent Su-57E, a 5th generation combat
aircraft widely discussed for many reasons.
The first two units are said to have already
been delivered. However, numerous questions
surround both types, foremost whether the
Russian industry is capable of delivering
them at all given ongoing technological
and production difficulties. Furthermore,
the Su-57 stealth aircraft is hampered by
technological immaturity, limited access to
necessary technologies for final refinement,
and the absence of a fully developed engine.
Another unknown is the level of manufacturer
support after delivery and the user’s ability to
provide the required conditions for operational
deployment.
All these factors are critical for introducing
and operating such a complex system, and
without them its practical use is difficult
to assess. Media statements such as “two
delivered aircraft have been assigned to
combat service” should therefore be treated
with considerable caution. Testing operations
and training personnel to the required
operational level alone will take many months,
assuming trouble-free operation of the new
aircraft.
It also remains unclear why Algeria opted
for the Su-57 if its development is not yet
fully mature. This may be due to pressure or
a favorable offer from the Russian Federation,
as well as a reaction to the armament of
neighboring Morocco, whoch intends to order
32 Lockheed Martin F-35A aircraft, with
delivery likely in the middle of the next decade.
Prestige among neighboring states may also
play a role. Algeria evidently does not wish
to lag behind and aspires to become the first
full-fledged operator of stealth aircraft on the
continent and in the Arab world, while Morocco
would become the first African operator of the
F-35.
On the other hand, export success would
also bring credibility to the manufacturer
when offering the aircraft to other customers.
One such potential partner was India, which
even sought to participate in development and
production. However, it later withdrew due to
disagreements over access to source codes
for avionics and weapons systems, financial
participation, engine issues, and unconvincing
stealth characteristics. In general, without
significant combat success of this type in
the Russo-Ukrainian war, further export
achievements appear unlikely.
The Sukhoi design bureau, and Russia
more broadly, have already experienced
embarrassment with the SSJ-100 Superjet
transport aircraft, which entered service amid
high expectations only for its shortcomings to
emerge a few years later, leading to its return
to the manufacturer. One of the companies
affected in this way was Mexico’s Interjet, prior
to its collapse.
With regard to the operational use of air
power, several important factors influencing
the security environment must be noted. These
include terrorist groups in the Saharan region,
such as Islamist militias linked to Al-Qaeda
or the Islamic State. They operate mainly in
southern border regions, maintaining bases
in neighboring countries. Another important
factor is the tense situation with neighboring
Morocco and Tunisia. For these reasons, the
Algerian Air Force requires multirole aircraft
capable of covering a wide range of missions in
line with current operational demands.
One generally little-known fact is the long-
standing connection between the Algerian
Air Force and the Czechoslovak, and later
Czech, defense industry. Immediately after
independence, MiG-15bis fighter aircraft
and UTI MiG-15 trainers were obtained from
Egypt, and these machines were most likely
of Czechoslovak origin. Likewise, the Helwan
Gomhouria training and liaison aircraft,
originally the German Bücker 181, was also
produced in Czechoslovakia after the war
and sold to Egypt. In Algeria today, licensed
production of Zlín training and sport aircraft
is underway, specifically the two-seat Z-142
(Safir-142) and the four-seat Z-43 (Safir-43),
used for training and liaison purposes.
Furthermore, the air force operates Aero L-39
Albatros jet trainers, as mentioned above. In
the future, the sale of new Aero L-39NG Skyfox
training aircraft cannot be ruled out, as Algeria
has already expressed interest. Given the
long-term operation of the original L-39 fleet,
generational replacement is a logical step.
The national aviation industry as a whole
is currently capable only of maintaining
such complex systems in operation, while
dependence on foreign technological and
service support persists. Nevertheless, there
are plans to gradually increase self-sufficiency
in both defense and aviation production in
general.
When assessing the current strength of the
Algerian Air Force, it is certainly impressive
in terms of number and types of equipment
in service. These factors place it among the
strongest air forces on the African continent.
Another matter, however, is how many aircraft
from the stated inventory are actually combat-
ready, how well trained the personnel are, and
how effectively manufacturer and supplier
support functions. All of this plays a role in
evaluating the capabilities of the air force
as a whole.
ALGERIAN AIR FORCE
Algerian Air Force Mil Mi-28 attack helicopter.
Photo: Ashraf216
Footage published in early February 2026 showing
a 5th generation fighter plane Su-57 flying over
Algeria, possibly near Oum El Bouaghi. The cellphone
video, recorded by a shepherd, is available on the
above Twitter account.
Photo: Twitter OSINTWarfare
INFO Eduard26
March 2026