Algeria Poised to Receive Russia’s Su-34M Fighter Jets
Russia appears to have begun producing Sukhoi Su-34M supersonic combat jets for Algeria, backing earlier reports of a military sale between Moscow and an undisclosed partner.
Satellite and open-source imagery reviewed by Seoul-based Military Watch Magazine revealed a small group of Su-34Ms sporting a distinctive desert brown-and-yellow paint scheme, indicating they are destined for Algeria.
While the report mentions Algeria and North Korea as possible buyers, the camouflage closely matches Algeria’s terrain and previous procurement patterns, suggesting the first export batch of Su-34Ms is already in production.
In December 2019, Algerian defense sources contracted Russia for 14 Su-34MEs, 14 Su-57Es, and 14 Su-35Es, with deliveries planned through 2025, according to Business Insider Africa, further supporting the likelihood that Algeria is the recipient of the newly assembled Su-34Ms.
Russia’s Su-34M deal with Algeria is expected to replace the latter’s Su-24M strike fighters in service since the 1990s.
It would also make Algeria the first export customer for the Su-34M, potentially reinforcing its status as Africa’s most heavily armed air force and highlighting Moscow’s expanding defense influence on the continent.
Analysts note the Su-34M’s competitive price of less than $10 million per platform for Algeria makes the incoming fleet a cost-effective but competitive solution to improve the country’s airborne strike and bomber forces, Business Insider Africa said.
With its long endurance and extended missile range, the Su-34M might also enable Algeria to project power well beyond North Africa, potentially reaching targets as far as the Persian Gulf or central Europe, the outlet added.
Russia’s Su-34M
The Sukhoi Su-34M is a Russian twin-engine, twin-seat aircraft developed from the older Su-27 Flanker family.
Powered by two Saturn AL-31FM1 engines, the Su-34 achieves Mach 1.8 (2,223 kilometers/1,381 miles per hour), a combat range of up to 4,500 kilometers (2,796 miles), and altitude up to 17,000 meters (55,774 feet).
The system is equipped with advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, a 30-millimeter autocannon, multi-domain missiles, and guided and unguided bombs.
