Algeria Receives First Russian Su-57 Stealth Fighters, Video Confirms

A video recorded by a potato farmer in Algeria has confirmed that the country has received its first batch of the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jets from Russia. The clip, which surfaced on social media, showcases the distinctive silhouette of the aircraft flying over northern Algeria, specifically near the Oum El Bouaghi Air Base. The landscape depicted in the video aligns with the geographical features surrounding the base, strengthening the credibility of the sighting.

The footage originates from the Arabic-language TikTok user doz.kbran, who also shares content related to Algerian soccer and local cityscapes. Algeria’s interest in acquiring the Su-57 was piqued during the 2019 MAKS air show in Moscow, where the export variant of the aircraft was unveiled.

In October 2025, a cyberattack by the hacker collective known as Black Mirror leaked documents from Russia’s state-owned Rostec corporation. These documents revealed that Algeria had reportedly placed an order for 12 Su-57 jets and 14 Su-34 fighter-bombers. The avionics packages for the Su-57 were estimated at approximately $200 million for the twelve aircraft. Overall, the total cost of the Algerian order for the Su-57 was cited by Russian media as around $2 billion.

Confirmation of the deal came from Algeria in late 2020, according to the state-owned news site Sputnik, although the exact details regarding the number of aircraft and total costs remained unclear. In November 2025, Russian officials announced that two Su-57 fighters had already been delivered to an unnamed foreign customer, widely believed to be Algeria.

Algeria’s acquisition of the Su-57 marks a significant milestone, making it the first nation outside of Russia to operate this advanced fighter jet. This arms deal is particularly important for Russia, which has faced a decline in defense sales due to the international fallout from its invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin has increasingly targeted authoritarian governments, especially in Africa and the Middle East, as reliable buyers for its military hardware.

U.S. officials have expressed concerns over the implications of this arms deal. Robert Palladino, head of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, emphasized that such purchases could lead to sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). He stated before a Senate committee that this transaction is among the issues the United States finds problematic in its relations with Algeria.

The presence of the Su-57 in Algeria is part of a broader initiative to modernize the country’s air force. This development could potentially alter the military balance in North Africa, particularly concerning Algeria’s long-standing tensions with its western neighbor, Morocco. The two countries have endured a contentious relationship, with closed borders since 1994.

In November 2024, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita issued a warning, stating that Algeria was seeking “escalation” and exhibited signs of a willingness to engage in military conflict with Morocco. Algerian officials have dismissed these accusations as unfounded provocations.

The acquisition of advanced military technology such as the Su-57 may further heighten tensions in a region already marked by disputes, prompting fears of a potential arms race or renewed hostilities. As Algeria continues to enhance its military capabilities, the implications for regional stability remain a critical concern for neighboring countries and international observers alike.