Click to see full-size image. (Screengrab\Telegram)
A video showing a Sukhoi Su-34 with a unique camouflage pattern has reignited rumors of a deal to export the Russian fighter bomber to Algeria.
The footage, posted to social networks on May 16, showed the fighter bomber, which was painted in a dark brown camouflage similar to that used in some of the older Su-24 fighter bombers in service with the Algerian Air Force (AAF), performing what appears to be a test flight somewhere over Russia, possibly close to the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association Plant where this type of warplanes is manufactured.
The Fighterbomber channel on Telegram, which reports on the Russian aerospace industry, said that the Su-34 in question was being prepared for delivery to a foreign customer, the first to acquire this type of fighter bomber from Russia.
While the channel didn’t provide any additional information, the unique camouflage pattern and previous reports of Algerian interest in the advanced fighter bomber led to speculation that the AAF was the customer.
Algeria’s interest in the Su-34 was first reported in 2016. For the next year, several reports alleged that the country was looking to acquire 12-14 fighter bombers with Russia offering an export version, dubbed the Su-32.
Later in 2019, it was again reported that Russia agreed to sell Algeria the modernized Su-34ME export version. At the time, it was said that the AAF became interested in the model after the Russian military operation in Syria, where the fighter bomber demonstrated excellent combat qualities. Russian officials, however, denied any plans to export the Su-34 to Algeria in 2021.
A year later, the Russian military operation began in Ukraine and the Su-34 once again demonstrated its capabilities. Rumors of a deal with Algeria resurfaced again.
The Su-34 was designed primarily for tactical deployment against ground and naval targets on solo and group missions in daytime and at night, under favorable and adverse weather conditions and in a hostile environment with air defense and electronic warfare deployed, as well as for aerial reconnaissance.
It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 at altitude and a combat radius of 1,100 kilometers with a standard 12,000 kg weapons load.
The fighter bomber can deploy a wide range of precision-guided munitions, including glide bombs, land-attack cruise missiles, anti-radar missiles and anti-ship missiles. It can also be armed with short-range and beyond visual range air-to-air missiles for self-defense.
Algeria is known for keeping its military purchases under tight wraps. Thus, an official confirmation of the alleged Su-34 deal is not to be expected.
Last March, the AAF reportedly received an unspecified number of Su-35S air superiority fighter jets from Russia. No deal was announced prior or after the delivery.
The Su-34 is sure to boost the capabilities of the AAF, which is already considered one of the largest and best-equipped aerial powers in northern Africa.
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algeria or iran….
if you look up this russian military aircraft using a western search engine all sorts of derogatory remarks are leveled at it but using a russian search engine full engineering details are given which are impressive .its basically a bomber version of the su-27 -two seater -heavily armoured ,did well in syria.
better to have things that work and are maintainable