A video filmed by local residents and analyzed by military specialist Defense News on 10/2 shows an Su-57 fighter jet flying over what is believed to be near Oum El Bouaghi air base in northern Algeria. The recording time was not disclosed.
Observers suggest the Su-57 was undergoing technical checks after transport or demonstrating its capabilities before delivery to a customer.
Russian and Algerian officials have not commented on the information.
A Su-57 fighter jet over northern Algeria in a video posted on 5/2. Video: TikTok/doz.kbran
Algeria has expressed interest in Russian stealth fighter jets since the export version, the Su-57E, debuted at the MAKS 2019 air show in Moskva.
In 10/2025, the hacker group Black Mirror claimed to have obtained documents from the Russian state defense corporation Rostec. These documents reportedly indicated Algeria had ordered 12 Su-57E fighter jets and 14 Su-34E fighter-bombers. The total value of the Su-57E order was estimated to be around 2 billion USD.
A month later, Russia confirmed it had delivered two Su-57E fighter jets to a foreign customer, though it did not name the recipient. This deal is considered important for Russia as it seeks to maintain arms exports, a sector that has declined due to the conflict in Ukraine.
Robert Palladino, head of the Near East Bureau at the US Department of State, stated last week that Washington considers this contract "one of the problems" in its relationship with Algiers. He warned that such deals could lead to sanctions from the US.
The Su-57 is Russia's fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft, designed to destroy all types of air, ground, and naval targets. The Su-57 features radar-absorbing materials and a design optimized for stealth against electronic reconnaissance equipment. Each aircraft can carry a total of 6 weapons internally, including 4 in two internal bays and two missiles in two side bays.
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A Russian Su-57 fighter jet in a photo posted on 9/2. Photo: UAC
The Su-57E export version appears to have some differences from Russia's domestic aircraft. These include an identification friend or foe system. The manufacturer may also modify the control software to display Western standard parameters, label cockpit components in English, and add the ability to use non-Russian weapons as per customer requirements.
Algerian national television reported in 2/2025 that Algerian pilots were training in Russia to operate the Su-57 fighter jet, following the North African nation's contract signing to become the first foreign customer for this aircraft type.
Some sources indicate Algeria may order 6 aircraft in an initial batch for evaluation and reception by late 2025, with plans for a larger order in the future.
Pham Giang (According to Defense News)
