Four people confirmed dead in military plane crash in Algeria

At least four people were killed in a military plane crash at Jijel Ferhat Abbas Airport, located in the northern Algerian town of Taher, Reuters reports. Local Algerian media stated that the aircraft was on a surveillance training mission when the incident occurred. The cause of the crash has not yet been disclosed, but investigations are underway.

The tragedy comes at a time when Algeria is significantly strengthening its military capabilities. In recent years, the North African nation has ramped up defense efforts in response to growing instability in neighboring Libya and the broader Sahel region, as well as ongoing tensions with Morocco.

Algeria, rich in oil and gas resources, has sharply increased its defense budget—reportedly rising from $18 billion in 2023 to $25 billion in 2025. The country has also signed major arms deals with Russia and China, acquiring advanced fighter jets, surveillance equipment, and short-range ballistic missiles to modernize its forces.