Russia’s First Stealth Fighter Export Confirmed: Footage Shows Su-57s in Algerian Service

Two sets of footage from Algerian sources have provided the first video confirmation of Su-57 fifth generation fighter operations in the country, after the first two of the aircraft were reported in November 2025 to have become operational in the Algerian Air Force. The sale marks the first of Russia’s sole operational stealth fighter type, or of any fifth generation fighter other than the American F-35, making it a major landmark in global combat aviation markets. It also makes Algeria the first operator of fighters of the new generation in Africa, the Arab world, or among Muslim-majority countries. The Su-57s are reported to have replaced Algerian MiG-25PD interceptors in active service, which were the fastest combat aircraft operational anywhere in the world, with the new fighter’s high supersonic cruising and very long range air-to-air engagement capabilities making it an optimal successor for air defence duties. 

Beyond a reported procurement of 14 aircraft, Algeria is expected to consider further Su-57 acquisitions to eventually replace a portion of the MiG-29 and Su-30MKA fighters in its fleet. Commenting on the delivery in mid-November, CEO of the Russian state run United Aircraft Corporation Vadim Badekha stated that the aircraft “have entered combat duty and are demonstrating their best qualities. Our customer is satisfied.” The Su-57’s unique capabilities allow even a very small numbers to serve as force multipliers to significantly bolster the offensive capabilities of the wider Algerian fleet. The aircraft integrates five separate active electronically scanned array radars, which are distributed across its body allowing for the tracking of up to 60 targets simultaneously. These radars are significantly more sophisticated than those of other fighters in Algerian service, while the aircraft’s considerably greater ability to operate in contested airspace due to its stealth and electronic warfare capabilities can further increase its value as a force multiplier.

The beginning of exports is expected to further strengthen the Su-57’s appeal to other potential clients, most notably India, where talks regarding a license production deal for at least 140 aircraft have reached advanced technical stages. The Indian Defence Ministry is reportedly considering the joint development of a heavily customised variant to meet its requirements. A significant possibility remains that such a variant will appeal to other potential clients, including the Algerian Defence Ministry itself. The current backbone of the Algerian fighter fleet is formed of over 70 Su-30MKA fighters, which are closely based on the Su-30MKI that was heavily customised to meet Indian requirements, bringing together technologies from the Su-27, Su-30, Su-27M and Su-37 programs. The development and export of a customised Su-57 variant could follow the same precedent. 

The Algerian Air Force’s fighter fleet is considered to have by far the greatest combat potential of the fleets African, Arab and Muslim-majority countries, with the NATO assault against its neighbour Libya in 2011 having been a major factor stimulating greater investment in enhancing combat capabilities. Significant signs have emerged since 2020 that the Algerian Defence Ministry has been planning to procure the Su-57, with Algerian military officials having been seen holding models of the Su-57 on state television that year while in talks with Russian officials. A collage of the fighter was also installed at the Defence Ministry a few weeks beforehand, indicating a decision had been reached. On February 12, 2025, a statement from Algerian state media confirmed the first Su-57s would arrive in the country before the January the following year, with a subsequent statement by the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation press office reaffirming that export deliveries would begin by that time.