Russia poised to deliver Su-34 jets to Algeria

Russia may soon begin deliveries of Su-34M fighter-bombers to Algeria, according to Defence Blog. A newly painted export variant was recently spotted at Zhukovsky Airport near Moscow, suggesting movement on a delayed arms deal first reported in 2019. That agreement included 14 Su-34MEs among 42 total aircraft.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted delivery timelines as Moscow diverted airframes to replenish wartime losses. Open-source intelligence group Oryx estimates Russia has lost at least 37 Su-34s and one Su-34M since 2022, though actual figures may be higher.

The Su-34ME is a modernised strike aircraft designed for deep-penetration, precision bombing and maritime attack missions. The export model retains advanced avionics, terrain-following radar, and multi-mode targeting systems, and can carry a wide range of Russian munitions.

If confirmed, the transfer would signal resumed Russian defense exports to Algeria, one of its key African partners, and a broader effort to shore up geopolitical alliances amid Western isolation.