ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

With the first two Su‑57E fifth‑generation fighters now declared on combat duty for a foreign customer widely assessed to be Algeria , the country has entered the stealth era with a micro‑fleet. The strategic value lies less in numbers than in the qualitative uplift : sensors‑centric reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and low‑observable penetration that multiply the combat power of Algeria’s robust 4/4+ generation backbone (Su‑30MKA, Su‑35, Su‑24M). Even in very small numbers, Su‑57s can act as “tactical mini‑AWACS” and SEAD/DEAD spearheads , reshaping the regional calculus against increasingly layered Moroccan ground‑based air defenses (HQ‑9B/FD‑2000B, Patriot PAC‑3) and reinforcing Algeria’s deterrence posture in the Mediterranean . 1) Algeria’s “Micro‑Fleet” of Su‑57: What Can Two Jets Change? At Dubai Airshow 2025 , UAC CEO Vadim Badekha publicly stated the first export Su‑57s are on combat duty , with the customer “satisfied.” While Moscow did not name the buyer, Algeria ...

Algeria has reportedly finalized a landmark defense agreement with Russia for the acquisition of the Su-57 fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter, marking one of the most significant military procurements in North Africa’s modern history. Valued at approximately $1.6 billion, the deal includes not only the aircraft themselves but also a comprehensive package of advanced weapons systems, spare parts, electronic warfare modules, and extensive training programs for pilots and maintenance crews. A Comprehensive Combat Package According to defense industry reports, the contract encompasses a sophisticated arsenal designed to maximize the operational potential of the Su-57 fleet. The weapons package is said to include: R-37M Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs), capable of engaging targets at ranges exceeding 300 km, providing Algeria with a decisive advantage in long-range interception. R-77M Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (MRAAMs) for flexible engagement across multiple ...

At a time when the Maghreb is experiencing a reconfiguration of regional balances due to Sahelian developments and international rivalries, the joint military exercises between France and Morocco, named “Chergui”, have sparked a strong reaction in Algiers. While officially presented as routine exercises aimed at strengthening operational capabilities and interoperability, their context, location, and naming suggest a far deeper political and strategic significance. Conducted in Morocco’s eastern region, near the Algerian border, these maneuvers convey multiple messages: one political to Algeria, one geostrategic regarding France’s repositioning in North Africa, and a symbolic message about Morocco’s role as a preferred Western security partner. This article offers a geopolitical and geostrategic reading of these maneuvers, analyzing their background, their implicit objectives, and their regional implications. I. The Geopolitical Framework: A Fragmented Maghreb and Shifting Alliances 1....

As naval rivalry in the western Mediterranean intensifies, Algeria continues to hold a decisive lead in undersea warfare—one that Morocco, even with ambitious purchases, will struggle to match for years to come. A Global Defense News report dated September 15, 2025, confirms that Rabat has opened negotiations to acquire its first submarines. Yet Algeria’s decades of operational experience make the challenge of catching up far greater than simply signing a contract. Decades of Algerian Mastery Algeria became the pioneer of submarine operations on the southern Mediterranean shore in the 1980s, when it introduced Soviet-built Kilo-class boats. Since then, its navy has steadily upgraded to more advanced variants, some armed with Kalibr cruise missiles capable of striking targets over 2,400 kilometers away. Continuous high-seas exercises and multinational drills have forged an exceptional skill set: veteran crews, specialized maintenance facilities, and a well-tested doctrine of deterrence ...

The first Israeli air strike on Qatar, targeting Hamas leadership in Doha on September 9, 2025, marked a major turning point in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. This event was not merely a military operation, but a bold declaration of Israel’s intent to extend its strikes into the very heart of the Arab world. It has since raised pressing questions about the true extent and sustainability of Israeli air power. These developments follow the collapse of the Syrian state in December 2024 and the dismantling of the Syrian Arab Army, which for decades had served as the primary regional force containing Israeli expansionism. Since Syria’s fall, Israel has moved swiftly to fill the strategic vacuum, launching strikes in Iran, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Yemen, while continuing its relentless campaign against Gaza. Israeli Air Power: Real Superiority or Exploited Vulnerability? Although often portrayed as the region’s most formidable air force, Israel’s air capabilities are built on fr...

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...