Algeria was counting on Russian SU-57 and received Su-35: what is the reason for refusal (photo)
For Algeria, which has been the second largest buyer of Russian military equipment after India for decades, this purchase can significantly increase air forces, although there are questions about how these fighters fit into the existing SO-30MCA park. The nuances in the supply of Russian fighters to the African country were told on September 18, Bulgarian Military Viewer.
Possible supply of Russian SU-35 are interesting in that Algeria initially expressed interest in the purchase of the latest fifth-generation fighters of the Su-57 and was among the first customers to these machines. However, according to analysts, one of the main reasons that the African country will not receive the SU-57, was delays in the production of these aircraft.
The fact is that Su-57 is a complex and expensive technological platform, the development and production of which is slower than expected. In recent years, the Russian defense industry has been faced with challenges related to the required volume of supplies in conditions of increased workload through domestic demand and current hostilities in Ukraine. Therefore, the supply of these machines can be delayed indefinitely.
Su-35, although it is a fighter with an acceptable as for the Fourth Generation Aircraft, does not reach the level of Su-57 by its stealth, equipment and advanced technologies. However, Russia suggested Algeria Su-35 as a temporary solution to fill the gap in the forces of the air preference. These planes are expected to be operated until Su-57 is available for deliveries. This approach allows Algeria to maintain the combat capability of his Air Force for some time.
Moreover, the country already has a park of more than 70 SU-30MKA aircraft, which were purchased in the 2000s. And although Su-35 is superior to Su-30mka by some characteristics, in particular, thanks to modern AL-41F-1F-1C and radar "Irbis-e" with an active phased grate (Aph), but "thirty-five" It offers new opportunities that would dramatically change the doctrine in Algeria's Air Force.