The Algerian Air Force has begun operating Russian Su-35S multirole fighters, which were spotted flying over the Oum El Bouaghi air base in the eastern part of the country. The move marks a major step in the modernization of the Algerian air force, which traditionally relies on Soviet and Russian aircraft. However, the fact that the Su-35S appeared in Algeria has raised questions about the origin of the aircraft, as there has been no official information about the deliveries. 

The Su-35S fighters, belonging to the 4++ generation, are easily recognized by their characteristic design features, in particular, the absence of an all-moving canard (PGO), which distinguishes them from the previous models of the Su-27 family. These aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics systems, a radar with a phased antenna array and engines with thrust vector control, which provides them with high maneuverability and effectiveness in combat. 

The question of whether the aircraft spotted at the Umm el-Bouaghi airbase are new or if they were previously intended for Egypt remains open. Recall that in 2018, Cairo signed a contract for the supply of 30 Su-35 fighters, but subsequently abandoned the deal under pressure from the United States, which threatened sanctions under the CAATSA law. As a result, some of the aircraft produced for Egypt remained at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (KnAAZ) and, according to experts, they could have been redirected to Algeria. This version is supported by reports in a number of Western and Russian media outlets, which indicate that Algeria has become a kind of "lifeline" for the Su-35 export program.

Meanwhile, Algeria continues to strengthen its position as one of the largest operators of Russian military aviation in Africa. Earlier, the country became the first foreign customer of the fifth-generation Su-57E fighters, the deliveries of which began this year. According to Algerian state media, the first six Su-57E aircraft should be delivered to the country's Air Force by the end of 2025, and the total number of ordered aircraft, according to the Menadefense portal, is 14 units. Algerian pilots are already undergoing training in Russia, which indicates the country's serious intentions to integrate advanced technologies into its military strategy.