Algeria may have become the first foreign operator of the Russian fifth-generation fighter Su-57E, after the appearance of a video showing the aircraft flying over the country’s territory.
The images, spread on social media, show a desert landscape compatible with Algerian geography and reinforce the suspicion that the model is already operational in the region.
Visual identification of the aircraft indicates that its characteristics exactly match the design of the Su-57, suggesting that air operations with the fighter have already begun. Algeria’s interest in the model dates back to 2019, when representatives of the country examined the export version during the MAKS show in Russia, initiating negotiations that attracted the attention of international media.
Around that time, reports emerged of a contract worth about $2 billion to purchase 14 planes, but progress on the deal was delayed due to technical problems and necessary adjustments to the aircraft’s systems. Meanwhile, Algeria advanced in preparing its air bases, building reinforced facilities and sending pilots to Russia for training, all under great secrecy.
In 2025, the Russian manufacturer confirmed the delivery of two Su-57s to an unidentified foreign customer. The recent appearance of the aircraft in the Algerian skies strengthens the hypothesis that the North African country is this buyer, expanding military cooperation with Moscow, which already includes the acquisition of Su-34 bombers.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: @PLA_MilitaryUpd | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Footage of one of the recently delivered 5th Gen Su-57E Multirole Fighters of the Algerian Air Force (AAF), flying over Algeria, possibly near Oum El Bouaghi. pic.twitter.com/gUymyBB2GO
— OSINTWarfare (@OSINTWarfare) February 7, 2026
