Latest satellite imagery brings two important news at once. First, at least one Su-35 fighter jet has been delivered to Algeria from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, sourced from the batch originally ordered by Egypt but never accepted. There are signs of several more fighters being in preparation for shipment.
Second, satellite monitoring has confirmed that the russian Aerospace Forces currently possess 19 Su-57 multirole fighters, but slow production rates continue to hinder the aircraft’s export potential. These findings were reported on the Military Balance blog, maintained by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
Read more: russian Su-57 Makes First-Ever Flight to iran, Stays for a Week
A satellite image from Maxar, dated March 2, 2025, captured a Su-35 in Egyptian camouflage, with its wingtips removed, being loaded onto an An-124 Ruslan military transport aircraft. On March 5, probably the same aircraft was recorded at Ain Beida Airbase in Algeria. By March 10, a Su-35 featuring both Egyptian camouflage and Algerian Air Force markings was observed.
While it remains unclear whether any additional Su-35s have been delivered, satellite imagery from early April 2025 identified at least four fighters at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant bearing Algerian Air Force markings, indicating they are being readied for shipment.
However, IISS notes that this does not contradict reports from late 2024 suggesting that some Su-35s from the same "Egyptian batch" may also have been delivered to iran.
Worth reminding, Algeria also signed a contract in February 2025 for an unspecified number of russian Su-57 fighters — which brings us to the second valuable insight revealed by satellite photos.
The discovered current inventory of 19 Su-57s in russian service suggests that immediate deliveries from existing stock are unlikely. Between 2023 and 2024, russia managed to produce only seven Su-57s, with production plans targeting an annual output of 16 aircraft starting in 2025. This raises doubts if Algeria will be able to receive Su-57s any soon.
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