Su-34's Attack Maneuvers in Ukrainian Skies Have Left Algeria in Awe, the Country Hopes to Incorporate This Fighter into Its Air Force
Experience from the special military operation has not only helped improve equipment but also promoted the refinement of air combat tactics.
Image caption: Su-34 Fighter Bomber
The Russian Su-34 "Fencer" (Fullback) fighter-bomber, which has been officially in service for over a decade, is expected to have its first export customer. This aircraft may enhance the combat capabilities of the Algerian Air Force alongside the Su-57 "Felon".
According to The EurAsian Times, there are reports that Algeria has purchased 12 fifth-generation Su-57 fighters and 14 Su-34 fighter-bombers (likely the Su-34ME upgrade model).
Although The EurAsian Times has not independently verified the authenticity of this information, if it is true, Algeria will become the first foreign buyer of the Su-34 "Fencer" fighter-bomber and the fifth-generation stealth fighter Su-57. This will also confirm previous reports by Algerian official media — which first disclosed this procurement plan and claimed that Algerian pilots have already received training on these aircraft in Russia.
Algeria Seeks Su-34 Aircraft
The customized Su-34ME (export version of the Su-34M) has undergone improvements in various aspects to meet export requirements, including modifications to adapt to different environmental conditions and enhanced survivability.
Although the aerodynamic layout, core engine parameters, and strike capabilities remain consistent with the base model, experts believe that the main improvements may be concentrated in the electronic warfare systems, countermeasures, and integration with modern munitions. It has also been reported that each Su-34ME fighter-bomber will be equipped with the latest L-265VE "Khibiny-U" (Хибины-У) electronic warfare system.
Notably, the negotiations between Algeria and Russia regarding the purchase of the Su-34 fighter-bomber are among the longest in modern defense history, lasting over a decade.
Since 2008, the first round of negotiations about purchasing approximately 20 Su-34 aircraft between the two sides has continued until 2015.
In 2016, Sergei Smirnov, General Director of the Novosibirsk Aviation Production Association, announced that after nearly eight years of continuous negotiations, the Algerian Air Force had ordered 12 Su-34 aircraft to replace its aging MiG-25 fleet from the Soviet era.
At the time, some reports indicated that this procurement was likely (but not certain) part of a $7.5 billion arms deal signed in March 2006 between Russia and Algeria, covering the supply of air defense missile systems, aviation equipment, naval and land defense equipment and technology.
In 2019, some local Algerian media reported that the country had signed contracts for the purchase of the Su-34, Su-35C, and Su-57 aircraft, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2025.
However, the feasibility of this order has always been in doubt, with some observers even predicting that the actual procurement might never materialize.
In March 2021, Russian media reported that the Novosibirsk Aviation Production Association had started producing the first batch of Su-34ME aircraft for Algeria. However, later that year, Russian officials denied the message of "imminent delivery of Su-34 aircraft to Algeria."
In 2025, at the Zhukovsky airport outside Moscow, a Su-34 fighter-bomber with a distinctive camouflage paint scheme was spotted. This raised speculation that these aircraft might be undergoing flight tests before being deployed to Algeria.
Nevertheless, as of now, no official statement has been released regarding the delivery of the aircraft.
Other than the potential procurement of the Su-34 and Su-57, the Algerian Air Force currently operates several Russian-made aircraft and military helicopters, including the Su-30MK, Su-24, MiG-29, and Yak-130, making it one of the largest users of Russian combat aircraft in North Africa.
Additionally, it has been reported that Algeria has purchased the Su-35C aircraft. In early 2023, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), based in the UK, discovered images via satellite showing the presence of this aircraft at the Ain Beida / Um el-Baghi airbase in Algeria.
Su-34: An Unparalleled Fighter-Bomber
The Su-34 (NATO designation "Fencer") is a twin-engine, twin-seat all-weather supersonic fighter-bomber developed by Russia, designed for precision strikes, suppression of enemy actions, and providing direct air support, combining the maneuverability of a fighter jet with the bomb-carrying capacity of a bomber.
This aircraft was developed based on the Su-27 family of fighters, integrating the maneuverability of a fighter jet with the bomb-carrying capacity of a bomber, making it a versatile tactical operational platform. Its unique combination of performance features — including an armored cockpit, side-by-side twin-seat layout, long-range strike capability, and advanced avionics — makes it a specialized combat platform.
The pilot's cockpit is often described as a titanium alloy "bathtub" with an ejection seat, allowing the aircraft to fly at 10,000 meters without the need for an oxygen mask. The aircraft is equipped with two AL-31FM1 turbofan engines developed by the Saturn Research and Production Association.
The Su-34 fighter-bomber is equipped with canards (forward horizontal stabilizers) to enhance lift and maneuverability; it uses a three-surface aerodynamic configuration, reducing radar cross-section. According to the manufacturer, the design ensures low-altitude penetration capability, all-weather operations, and reduced radar signature.
The maximum weapon load of the Su-34 is 12,000 kilograms, with 12 external hardpoints capable of carrying a variety of munitions, including anti-ship missiles, air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and anti-radiation missiles, as well as guided bombs and unguided bombs.
After modernization, the Su-34 can also launch long-range cruise missiles, which can be equipped with conventional or nuclear warheads.
Vijayendra Takur, a retired Indian Air Force officer, previously wrote in an article for The EurAsian Times: “In a conflict with NATO, the Su-34 can carry two X-101 cruise missiles, approach the launch point covertly, and then attack from an unexpected direction. The ability of the Su-34 to launch 'Kinzhal' missiles adds another layer of strategic deterrence, making this frontline fighter-bomber a reliable deterrent force.”
The Su-34 has been widely used on the front lines in Ukraine, especially for dropping heavy glide bombs onto Ukrainian positions.
The Ukrainian analysis institution "Frontelligence Insight" previously interpreted that: “The Su-34 can reach the bombing area near the border within minutes, complete the mission, and quickly return to base... A large number of these aircraft stationed at the airfield can conduct intensive bombing, thereby simultaneously attacking multiple targets within Ukraine.”
Some media reports indicate that several Russian aircraft were shot down during the conflict, including cases where they were shot down by the American "Patriot" air defense systems deployed in Ukraine. Afterward, Russian pilots began to adopt tactical innovations.
Tactical Innovations and Combat Performance of the Su-34
To respond to the increasing interception range of the Ukrainian "Patriot" air defense systems, Su-34 pilots adopted the "high-low-high" (high-low-high) bombing tactic. The specific process of this tactic is: approaching the bombing area at low altitude and high speed, then sharply climbing, and finally dropping the bombs according to preset parameters. This method maximizes the range of glide bombs and reduces the probability of being intercepted by the enemy's air defense systems.
Takur said: “From the practical performance, the Su-34 is currently the most powerful and cost-effective attack aircraft in the world. Its excellent performance as a glide bomb delivery platform (providing support for ground forces) and its ability to launch 'Kinzhal' missiles have injected momentum into the production and subsequent development of this Russian aircraft model.”
In August 2025, Russian sources revealed that the Su-34 has begun operating in conjunction with the Su-35C to contain Ukraine's effective use of Western aircraft and their advanced weapons systems. In such joint operations, the Su-34 is responsible for delivering ordnance, while the Su-35C undertakes escort missions to ensure air superiority.
Exporting the Su-34 fighter-bomber to Algeria will be a landmark achievement for the Russian defense industry — marking the first international export of this high-performance aircraft.
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