DefenseUS warns Algeria of possible sanctions over Su-57 fighter deal
The United States has warned that it could impose sanctions on Algeria if the country proceeds with the acquisition of Russian-made Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, raising tensions over Algiers’ continued reliance on Moscow for advanced combat aircraft.
The warning was issued by Robert Palladino, head of the US State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, during a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Palladino said reports of Algeria purchasing advanced Russian military equipment were a concern for Washington and could trigger measures under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
“We are working closely with the Algerian government on issues where we find common ground,” Palladino said. “At the same time, we have serious differences on many other topics, and the arms deal is an example of what the United States considers problematic.”
He added that Washington is currently using existing diplomatic tools to prevent what it views as unacceptable transactions.
Algeria confirmed in 2025 that it had ordered advanced Russian fighter aircraft and was identified as the first foreign customer for the Su-57. Internal documents from Russia’s Rostec corporation later pointed to plans to supply the aircraft to Algeria, with deliveries expected toward the end of this year. Algerian pilots are reported to be undergoing training in Russia.
Su-35 caught on images
The Su-57, developed by Sukhoi, first flew in 2010 and entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2020. While Russia has promoted the aircraft for export, confirmed foreign orders have remained limited. India previously explored participation in the programme but later shifted its focus to domestic fighter development.
At the same time, Algeria has begun to field another advanced Russian fighter. In recent days, photographs circulating on defence-focused forums have shown Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft carrying Algerian Air Force insignia, providing the first visual confirmation that the type is now operating in the country. Neither Algerian authorities nor Russian officials have formally acknowledged the deliveries.
The Su-35s are widely believed to be part of a transfer involving airframes originally produced for Egypt, which ordered the aircraft in 2018 but later withdrew from the deal under Western pressure. Some of those jets were subsequently discussed as potential transfers to Iran before being redirected elsewhere, with Algeria now appearing among the recipients.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
