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Algeria's Acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-35: A Strategic Shift in the Balance of Power in North Africa and the Mediterranean

Algeria's acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-35 air superiority fighter marks a strategic turning point in the military balance in North Africa and the Mediterranean. This technological choice significantly enhances the Algerian National People's Army (ANP)'s air capabilities, countering neighboring air forces equipped with Western aircraft. This surge in power could reshape regional power dynamics and influence the military doctrines of neighboring countries.

1. The Sukhoi Su-35: A Formidable Air Superiority Fighter

The Su-35 is an advanced evolution of the Su-27, developed by Russia to meet the challenges of modern air combat. As a 4.5-generation fighter, it is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including:

✅ Exceptional super-maneuverability thanks to its AL-41F1S thrust-vectoring engines.
✅ A powerful radar (Irbis-E) capable of detecting targets up to 400 km away.
✅ Advanced electronic warfare systems, with a low radar cross-section (RCS of 1 to 3 m²).
✅ A diverse range of weaponry, including long-range air-to-air missiles, cruise missiles, and guided bombs.

These capabilities allow the Su-35 to effectively engage Western aircraft of equivalent generations, such as the French Rafale, the American F-16V, and the American F-15.

2. Why Did Algeria Choose the Su-35?

Algeria is modernizing its air force, which has traditionally relied on Russian aircraft such as the Su-30MKA and MiG-29. The Su-35 represents a significant improvement in combat capabilities, operational range, and versatility. The key reasons for Algeria’s choice include:

✅ Compatibility with the existing fleet: Algeria already operates Su-30MKA and MiG-29, making Su-35 integration smoother.
✅ Technological superiority over potential adversaries: Egypt has acquired the Rafale, while Morocco operates the F-16V and aims to procure the F-35.
✅ Maintaining air superiority: The Su-35 is designed to dominate contested airspace and counter modern threats.

3. Impact on the Balance of Power in North Africa

The arrival of the Su-35 in Algeria’s arsenal significantly alters the strategic balance in the region:

🔹 Against Morocco: Morocco has strengthened its air force with the F-16V and is seeking to acquire the F-35. With the Su-35, Algeria maintains qualitative superiority, especially in close-range air combat and long-range air dominance.

🔹 Against Egypt: Cairo operates the Rafale, but Algeria could gain an advantage through better training and integration of its Russian aircraft.

🔹 Against NATO forces: With increasing tensions in the Mediterranean (due to French and American military presence), the Su-35 enables Algeria to deter potential airspace incursions.

4. Geopolitical Consequences in the Mediterranean

The acquisition of the Su-35 has not gone unnoticed on the international stage:

1️⃣ Tensions with the West: The United States and the European Union closely monitor Algeria’s military buildup, particularly in light of its rivalry with Morocco, a key NATO ally.

2️⃣ Strengthening ties with Russia: Algeria is deepening its military alliance with Moscow, which could lead to future acquisitions such as the Su-57 and S-500 missile systems.

3️⃣ Regional domino effect: Tunisia and Libya may seek to modernize their air forces to counterbalance Algeria’s growing air power.

Conclusion

The Sukhoi Su-35 marks a new era for Algeria’s air force, reinforcing its position as one of the most powerful air forces in Africa. This acquisition directly influences the balance of power in North Africa and the Mediterranean, creating new strategic challenges for neighboring countries and Western powers. The future will depend on how effectively Algeria integrates these aircraft into a cohesive military doctrine and how regional actors respond to this rise in power.

✍️ Belgacem Merbah

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