Algeria’s Brand New Su-57 Stealth Fighter Jets Make First Appearance (Videos)

Su-57 © Marina Lystseva/ТАSS

The delivery of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-57s to Algeria has been finally confirmed, with videos showing the fifth-generation stealth fighter jets flying over the country.

The first video of an Algerian Su-57, which was posted to social networks on February 8, was not very clear, but a second clearer video that surfaced online on February 21 left no doubt. It is unknown, however, where exactly in Algeria these videos were taken.

A multirole fighter capable of aerial combat as well as ground and maritime strike, the Su-57 incorporates stealth, supermaneuverability, supercruise, integrated avionics and large payload capacity.

Algeria’s interest in the expert version of the fifth-generation fighter jet, the Su-57E, was first reported in 2019, when it was said that the country wanted to purchase at least 14.

Speaking at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in 2024, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev confirmed that export contracts for the Su-57 had been signed. Algeria appeared again at the time, although it was reported that the country was looking to acquire 12 fighter jets.

In February of last year, Algeria confirmed its purchase of the Su-57. The announcement was reportedly made through Algerian state television, which said that Algerian pilots were undergoing training in Russia, with deliveries expected before the end of the year.

Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Director General Vadim Badeha told the state broadcaster Pyerviy Kanal later in November that a foreign customer had already received two Su-57 fighter jets. It was widely speculated that the customer is none other than Algeria.

The Su-57 brought capabilities of the Algerian Air Force, already among the largest in Northern Africa and the Middle East, to a whole new level.

The fighter jet can carry a variety of advanced long-range weapons, including the R-37M air-to-air missile, the Kh-69 land-attack cruise missile, the Kh-58UShK anti-radiation missile and the Kh-35U anti-ship cruise missile.

Its avionics are built around two systems: the Sh-121 multifunctional integrated radio electronic system, MIRES, which integrates multiple active electronically scanned array radars, with a range of up to 400 kilometers, and electronic warfare means; as well as the 101KS “Atoll” electro-optical system, which incorporates targeting, early warning and jamming capabilities.

Click to see full-size image.

The primary differences of the export version are in the friend-or-foe identification system, the flight instrument software, which is adjusted to display readings in Imperial units, and the cockpit labeled in English. Non-Russian weapons can also be integrated at request.
Algeria is known for keeping its military purchases under tight wraps, thus it is unclear yet how many Su-57s the country will end up receiving.

Over the past year, Algeria took delivery of multiple Su-35S fighter jets. Other photos from Russia unveiled that several Su-34 fighter bombers were built for the country. No official announcement was made in either of the cases.

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