Breaking News: Algeria Confirms Purchase of Russian Su-57 Latest Generation of Stealth Fighters
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Algeria has confirmed the acquisition of Russian Su-57 Felon stealth fighters, becoming the first international customer for this fifth-generation aircraft. The announcement was made through Algerian state television, which revealed that Algerian pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia, with deliveries expected to begin later this year.
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Algeria has confirmed the acquisition of Russian Su-57 Felon stealth fighters. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)
This deal comes as no surprise, given Algeria’s long-standing relationship with Russia, its primary supplier of military equipment. The country already possesses a range of Russian military hardware, including Su-30MKA fighters, MiG-29s, and S-300 air defense systems. The addition of the Su-57 will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Algerian Air Force, further consolidating the country’s position as one of Africa’s most powerful air forces.
The Su-57 is designed to compete with fifth-generation aircraft such as the U.S. F-35 Lightning II and China’s J-20. It stands out due to its advanced stealth capabilities, supermaneuverability, and cutting-edge avionics. While the specific terms of the Algerian deal remain confidential, it has been indicated that the export version of the Su-57 will be “significantly cheaper” than its Western counterparts, particularly the F-35.
This acquisition is part of Algeria’s ongoing military modernization efforts, aiming to maintain regional air superiority and strengthen its defense capabilities. The first Su-57s are expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
Moscow has long sought to expand the Su-57’s presence in international markets, with attempts to attract countries like Turkey and India. In 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally showcased the Su-57 to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, sparking speculation that Turkey might consider the aircraft as an alternative to the U.S. F-35 program. However, no deal was finalized.
The Su-57, referred to by NATO as “Felon,” is a multi-role aircraft developed by Soukhoï. It made its first flight in 2010 and entered service in 2020. With a unit cost of approximately 50 million dollars, the Su-57 is designed for various missions, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and strike. The aircraft features stealth technologies and advanced avionics, allowing it to compete with other next-generation fighters such as the F-35.
The Su-57 is powered by two turbofan engines with afterburners and vector thrust nozzles, which provide exceptional maneuverability. The current version uses the Saturn AL-41 engines, generating 149 kN of thrust each, while the more powerful Izdeliye 30 engines are expected to equip the Su-57 in the future. These engines enable the Su-57 to reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.45 (around 2,600 km/h) and have a range of 1,800 km, offering over 5 hours of flight time.
The aircraft has a length of 19.7 meters, a wingspan of 14 meters, and a height of 4.8 meters. It weighs 18,500 kg empty and can carry up to 37,000 kg, including fuel and mission equipment. With a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.07, the Su-57 is designed for exceptional aerial maneuvers. The aircraft can also operate at altitudes of up to 20,000 meters, with a climb rate of 21,000 meters per minute.
The armament of the Su-57 is primarily internal to reduce radar signature. It is equipped with a GSh-30-1 30mm cannon and has two weapon bays located between the engines, capable of carrying air-to-air missiles in auxiliary bays on the aircraft’s flanks. Additionally, it has six pylons under the wings for carrying various types of munitions, including nuclear weapons, making it a versatile platform for strategic deterrence missions.
One of the key features of the Su-57 is its advanced avionics, particularly the Sh121 AESA radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array), which allows it to detect long-range targets and engage multiple threats simultaneously while maintaining stealth.
Overall, the Su-57 is a fifth-generation combat aircraft that combines stealth, exceptional maneuverability, and cutting-edge technology. Algeria’s acquisition of this aircraft marks a significant strengthening of its air defense capabilities and further solidifies its defense ties with Russia, making the latter Algeria’s primary arms supplier.
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Algeria has confirmed the acquisition of Russian Su-57 Felon stealth fighters, becoming the first international customer for this fifth-generation aircraft. The announcement was made through Algerian state television, which revealed that Algerian pilots are currently undergoing training in Russia, with deliveries expected to begin later this year.
Algeria has confirmed the acquisition of Russian Su-57 Felon stealth fighters. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)
This deal comes as no surprise, given Algeria’s long-standing relationship with Russia, its primary supplier of military equipment. The country already possesses a range of Russian military hardware, including Su-30MKA fighters, MiG-29s, and S-300 air defense systems. The addition of the Su-57 will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Algerian Air Force, further consolidating the country’s position as one of Africa’s most powerful air forces.
The Su-57 is designed to compete with fifth-generation aircraft such as the U.S. F-35 Lightning II and China’s J-20. It stands out due to its advanced stealth capabilities, supermaneuverability, and cutting-edge avionics. While the specific terms of the Algerian deal remain confidential, it has been indicated that the export version of the Su-57 will be “significantly cheaper” than its Western counterparts, particularly the F-35.
This acquisition is part of Algeria’s ongoing military modernization efforts, aiming to maintain regional air superiority and strengthen its defense capabilities. The first Su-57s are expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
Moscow has long sought to expand the Su-57’s presence in international markets, with attempts to attract countries like Turkey and India. In 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally showcased the Su-57 to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, sparking speculation that Turkey might consider the aircraft as an alternative to the U.S. F-35 program. However, no deal was finalized.
The Su-57, referred to by NATO as “Felon,” is a multi-role aircraft developed by Soukhoï. It made its first flight in 2010 and entered service in 2020. With a unit cost of approximately 50 million dollars, the Su-57 is designed for various missions, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and strike. The aircraft features stealth technologies and advanced avionics, allowing it to compete with other next-generation fighters such as the F-35.
The Su-57 is powered by two turbofan engines with afterburners and vector thrust nozzles, which provide exceptional maneuverability. The current version uses the Saturn AL-41 engines, generating 149 kN of thrust each, while the more powerful Izdeliye 30 engines are expected to equip the Su-57 in the future. These engines enable the Su-57 to reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.45 (around 2,600 km/h) and have a range of 1,800 km, offering over 5 hours of flight time.
The aircraft has a length of 19.7 meters, a wingspan of 14 meters, and a height of 4.8 meters. It weighs 18,500 kg empty and can carry up to 37,000 kg, including fuel and mission equipment. With a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.07, the Su-57 is designed for exceptional aerial maneuvers. The aircraft can also operate at altitudes of up to 20,000 meters, with a climb rate of 21,000 meters per minute.
The armament of the Su-57 is primarily internal to reduce radar signature. It is equipped with a GSh-30-1 30mm cannon and has two weapon bays located between the engines, capable of carrying air-to-air missiles in auxiliary bays on the aircraft’s flanks. Additionally, it has six pylons under the wings for carrying various types of munitions, including nuclear weapons, making it a versatile platform for strategic deterrence missions.
One of the key features of the Su-57 is its advanced avionics, particularly the Sh121 AESA radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array), which allows it to detect long-range targets and engage multiple threats simultaneously while maintaining stealth.
Overall, the Su-57 is a fifth-generation combat aircraft that combines stealth, exceptional maneuverability, and cutting-edge technology. Algeria’s acquisition of this aircraft marks a significant strengthening of its air defense capabilities and further solidifies its defense ties with Russia, making the latter Algeria’s primary arms supplier.
