Algeria has become the first foreign operator of Russian Su-34 fighter jets
Algeria has become the first country to receive Russian Su-34 strike fighters under an export contract.
This was reported by Force Index.
According to the publication, Russian sources have released images of Su-34M aircraft bearing Algerian Air Force markings, marking the first confirmation of the delivery of these combat aircraft to a foreign customer.
The new aircraft are expected to replace the outdated Su-24Ms, of which Algeria has about 40 in service.
The Su-34 is a multi-role strike fighter with a long range and a significant combat payload. The aircraft is capable of both extended patrols and long-range strike missions.
Algeria has been actively modernizing its air force in recent years. Previously, the country also received Russian Su-35s and, according to media reports, fifth-generation Su-57 fighters.
Russian forces used a “Shahed”-type kamikaze drone on African soil for the first time. After the attack, experts discovered a number of foreign components inside the drone that are used for navigation and control. On Monday, May 18, in Mali, local rebels shot down a Russian Shahed-136 (“Harpy-A1”) strike drone for the first time, which Russia had used to support its mercenaries in Africa.
As a reminder, the Russian African Corps is retreating from cities in Mali following a jihadist offensive.
