Washington / Algiers : The United States has formally warned Algeria that it could face economic sanctions over its decision to purchase Russian-made Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jets, escalating tensions between Washington and Algiers over defense cooperation with Moscow. U.S. officials say the deal raises concerns under American sanctions law and reflects a broader effort by Washington to limit the spread of advanced Russian military technology across Africa and the Middle East.
The warning was delivered on February 3, 2026, by Robert Palladino, head of the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. State Department, during a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Palladino said reports confirming Algeria’s acquisition of the Su-57E are viewed as “problematic” by the U.S. administration and could trigger measures under U.S. law.
U.S. Position and Legal Basis
Palladino told lawmakers that the United States is prepared to use the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which mandates sanctions on countries that engage in what Washington defines as “significant transactions” with the Russian defense or intelligence sectors. He noted that while the United States continues to work with Algeria on areas of shared interest, the fighter jet deal represents a clear point of disagreement.
“We are working closely with the Algerian government on issues where we find common ground,” Palladino said during the hearing. “But we certainly disagree on many issues, and the arms deal is an example of what the United States considers problematic.”
He added that Washington is using diplomatic channels, often in private, to protect U.S. interests and discourage actions it deems unacceptable.
The remarks follow a pattern established in earlier cases, including U.S. action against Turkey over its purchase of the S-400 air defense system and pressure on Egypt that led Cairo to halt its planned acquisition of Su-35 fighter jets.
Algeria’s Su-57E Purchase
Algeria confirmed in 2025 that it had placed an order with Russia for the Su-57E, the export version of Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. Defense-focused outlets, including Defense Arabic and Global Defense Corp, have reported that deliveries are planned for late 2025 or early 2026. According to those reports, Algerian pilots have been undergoing training in Russia to operate the aircraft.
The agreement makes Algeria the first foreign customer for the Su-57E. In 2024, Alexander Mikheev, head of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms export agency, said the aircraft had secured its first international buyer and that deliveries would begin in 2025.
Role in Algeria’s Air Force Modernization
The Su-57E is expected to play a key role in Algeria’s air force modernization program. The aircraft is intended to replace the MiG-25 interceptors that were officially withdrawn from Algerian service in 2022. Over time, the new fighters could also supplement or partially replace the fleet of 72 Su-30MKA multirole aircraft contracted between 2006 and 2020, which currently form the core of the Algerian Air Force.
Regional and Diplomatic Context
U.S. officials view the Algerian acquisition as part of a broader concern over advanced Russian military systems entering the Africa and Middle East region. Washington has repeatedly argued that such deals undermine defense cooperation with Western partners and strengthen Russia’s defense sector.
The issue highlights the ongoing tension between U.S. sanctions policy and the defense procurement decisions of countries that maintain long-standing military ties with Russia, including Algeria, which has historically relied on Russian and Soviet equipment for its armed forces.
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