ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

The Moroccan newspaper Assahifa recently published an article attempting to downplay Algeria’s acquisition of the heavy tactical bomber Sukhoi-34, and the possibility of obtaining the multi-role stealth fighter Sukhoi-57, by suggesting that Morocco’s air force modernization program — based on F-16 Block 72 fighter jets and Apache AH-64E helicopters — could match Algerian capabilities. However, a serious technical military assessment shows that this comparison is nothing more than media rhetoric aimed at domestic consumption, and does not reflect the real gap in air power between the two countries. 1. Platforms That Cannot Be Compared Su-34 Fullback: A heavy tactical bomber with a combat range exceeding 3,000–4,000 km, capable of carrying over 8 tons of diverse weaponry, equipped with advanced navigation and attack systems enabling precise long-range strikes. Su-57: A fifth-generation fighter featuring stealth, super-maneuverability, multi-directional AESA radars, and a strong mix of ai...

A recent article published by Assahifa, a Moroccan outlet known for its close ties to the ruling elite in Rabat, inadvertently sheds light on one of the most significant geopolitical shifts in the Maghreb in decades: the entry into service of Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets in Algeria — one of the most advanced combat aircraft of our time. In an article titled “After Being Rejected by Egypt and Iran… Satellite Images Reveal the Presence of Su-35 Fighters in Algeria”, the Moroccan media outlet delves into the arrival of these jets at an Algerian airbase with a tone that is both alarmist and revealing. While emphasizing that these aircraft had previously been turned down by Egypt and Iran, the piece unintentionally unveils deeper Moroccan anxieties — both military and diplomatic. The Su-35: A Game Changer That Has Rabat Trembling Originally destined for Egypt, the Su-35 jets were ultimately acquired by Algeria after Cairo backed out under Western pressure. Known for their exceptional ag...

Early April 2025: Algerian Forces Shoot Down Malian Bayraktar Drone—A Strategic Shockwave Across the Sahel-Maghreb Region In early April 2025, an aerial incident involving a Turkish-made Bayraktar Akinci drone operated by the Malian army sent shockwaves through the Sahel and Maghreb regions. The drone reportedly breached Algerian airspace by two kilometers before being shot down by Algerian armed forces in under 26 seconds. This brief timeframe was enough to underscore a sharp strategic reality: Algeria's clear technological and operational superiority in aerial warfare and counter-drone systems. 1. Algeria: A Clear Message, A Proven Capability In an official statement issued on April 3, 2025, Algeria's Ministry of National Defence announced that its air defense units had detected, identified, and destroyed a foreign drone that violated national airspace near Bordj Badji Mokhtar. The aircraft, identified as a Turkish Akinci operated by Malian forces, was reportedly downed le...

In an official statement published on its Facebook page and website, Algeria’s Ministry of National Defense announced that it had shot down a Malian Akıncı drone over Tinzawatin, after it breached Algerian airspace by two kilometers. This marks the first time that the Algerian Air Force has downed a foreign drone, sending a clear and decisive message to nations that have been misusing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near Algeria’s borders. A Swift and Controlled Response The detection and interception of the drone were carried out by a unit under the Air Defense Forces Command (ADFC) , demonstrating Algeria’s high level of preparedness and rapid response capabilities in safeguarding its airspace. While the ministry did not disclose the exact method used to neutralize the drone, analysts suggest that Algeria likely employed its advanced air defense systems , which are capable of effectively countering such aerial threats. The Growing Presence of Drones in the Sahel and North Africa ...

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) . ✅...

The long-standing conflict between Morocco and the Polisario Front could witness a new escalation with the introduction of attack drones into the Sahrawi army’s arsenal. Until now, Morocco had a clear technological advantage due to its use of armed drones, primarily supplied by Israel and Turkey. However, recent statements by Sahrawi diplomat Brahim Mokhtar suggest that the Polisario also intends to acquire this military technology, potentially reshaping the balance of power on the ground. Morocco’s Use of Drones: A Strategic Advantage Since the resumption of hostilities in November 2020, Morocco has intensified its use of drones to target Polisario positions in the Western Sahara. Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones and Israeli Harop loitering munitions have allowed Moroccan forces to conduct precision strikes on Sahrawi fighters, significantly reducing casualties among Moroccan troops. These attacks have forced the Polisario to adapt its tactics, limiting large-scale troop movements and ...

Algeria has taken a significant step in modernizing its air force by becoming the first foreign country to acquire the Russian Su-57 "Felon" stealth fighter . This strategic deal, which includes 14 Su-57s, 14 Su-34 bombers, and 14 Su-35 fighters , reinforces Algeria’s position as a leading military power in Africa and the Mediterranean region . A Carefully Calculated Military Build-Up Negotiations for this ambitious contract began in 2019 at the MAKS Air Show in Moscow. The Algerian delegation, led by Major General Boumaiza , commander of the Algerian Air Force, conducted a thorough assessment of the Su-57’s performance, including simulator tests. As a former MiG-29 pilot , his expertise played a decisive role in selecting this fifth-generation aircraft. With this acquisition, Algeria joins an elite group of nations with a modern and diversified air fleet. By mid-2026 , its air force will be equipped with: A squadron of Su-57 stealth fighters A squadron of Su-35 air super...

The military balance between Morocco and Algeria is a crucial strategic issue in North Africa . For decades, both nations have been engaged in a relentless arms race , with a strong focus on modernizing their air forces. However, a significant shift in aerial supremacy appears to be taking shape , with Morocco strengthening its air power through the delivery of F-16V Block 70 fighters in 2023, armed with AIM-120C/D missiles . Meanwhile, Algeria struggles to modernize its fleet of Su-30MKAs, which remain constrained by the absence of modern long-range air-to-air missiles , potentially reshaping the region’s military balance. This imbalance raises several concerns: Could Morocco exploit its air superiority to adopt a more aggressive stance? Is Algeria at risk of losing air dominance, making it vulnerable to Moroccan strategic moves? Does Algeria’s lack of modern BVR (Beyond Visual Range) missiles give Morocco a decisive tactical edge in any potential air conflict? In this analysis, we wi...