IISS Confirms Algeria’s Military Technological Edge with Su-57s
Two Su-57 Felon stealth fighters are now stationed at Algeria's Oum El Bouaghi base in the northeast, a development that, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), may signify a technological advantage for Algeria in its military competition. This acquisition makes Algeria the sole African or Arab nation to deploy this fifth-generation aircraft, marking a significant step in its defense capabilities.
The agreement, which commenced negotiations with Moscow in 2021, reportedly includes a total of fourteen Su-57 aircraft. The delivery schedule anticipates six units in 2025, another six in 2026, and the final two in 2027, subject to Russian industrial capacity. Each unit's cost, including pilot training, is estimated between 100 and 120 million dollars. Vadim Badekha, CEO of United Aircraft Corporation, previously confirmed the reception and active service of the initial two aircraft by an undisclosed foreign customer.
This technological leap is particularly evident in radar detection, sensor fusion, and the extended range of onboard missiles, as the Su-57 is equipped with R-77M and potentially R-37M very-long-range air-to-air munitions. In contrast, Morocco continues to operate its fourth-generation F-16 Viper Block 70/72 aircraft, which lack stealth capabilities. This disparity is further underscored by budgetary allocations, with Algeria committing approximately 22 billion euros to its defense in 2026, significantly more than Morocco's 6.4 billion euros, which primarily focuses on integrating Western technologies.
