Su-34s Reportedly Built For Algeria Got Advanced Missile Warning System (Photos)

File image.

Newly-built Su-34 fighter bombers that are believed to be intended for Algeria have been apparently equipped with an advanced missile warning system.

One of the Su-34s in question first appeared last May, flying close to the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association Plant where this type of warplane is manufactured.

The fighter bomber’s brown camouflage scheme was compared to that used in some of the older Su-24 fighter bombers in service with the Algerian Air Force (AAF). At the time, the Fighterbomber channel on Telegram, which reports on the Russian aerospace industry, said that the bomber was being prepared for delivery to a foreign customer, further fueling suspicion that a Su-34 deal for Algeria was moving forward.

Algeria’s interest in the Su-34 was first reported in 2016. The next year, several reports alleged that the AAF 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. The AAF reportedly became interested in the fighter bomber after the Russian military operation in Syria. 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.

Photos published by Spotting_tema, a Russian aviation photography channel on Telegram, on September 14 showed two Su-34 with the brown camouflage scheme at Zhukovsky International Airport near Moscow, one with the number “703” and another with the number “704”.

SU-34 pic.twitter.com/50WgCcijSK

— FAERES.DZ (@fares4302) September 14, 2025

The closeup photos revealed that this version of the Su-34 had been equipped with an advanced missile warning system, the I-222 SOER (Sistema Optiko-elektronnoi Razvedki).

The system includes six mid-wave infrared SOAR (Stantsiya Obnaruzheniya Atakuyushchikh Raket) missile approach warning sensors and two SOLO (Stantsiya Obnaruzheniya Lazernogo Oblucheniya) laser warning sensors, covering the full sphere around the jet.

A forward-looking infrared sensor is typically mounted in front of the cockpit, another aft-looking sensor is mounted behind the cockpit, two more are mounted on the forward fuselage, and a forward-looking sensor along with an aft-looking one are installed in a small pod under the nose. These sensors can detect a man-portable anti-aircraft missile launch from 10 kilometers, an air-to-air missile from 30 kilometers and a large surface-to-air missile from up to 50 kilometers.

Meanwhile, the laser sensors, mounted on the sides of the forward fuselage, can distinguish laser rangefinders tracking the aircraft from 30 kilometers.

The SOER system can reportedly determine a detected threat’s position with an accuracy of up to 1 degree and a laser radiation source up to 5 degrees.

The Su-34 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.

It 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.

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.

In addition, it can also be armed with short-range and beyond visual range air-to-air missiles for self-defense, a unique feature for a fighter bomber.

Algeria is known for keeping its military purchases under tight wraps. Last March, the AAF reportedly received an unspecified number of Su-35S air superiority fighter jets, also equipped with SOER systems, from Russia. No deal was announced prior or after the delivery. Thus, an official confirmation of the alleged Su-34 deal is not to be expected any time soon.

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