The United States has warned it may impose sanctions on Algeria over its decision to purchase advanced Russian-made Su-57 fighter jets, raising fresh questions about Africa’s defence ties with Moscow amid heightened global geopolitical tensions.

Robert Palladino, head of the US State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, said Washington was concerned by reports that Algeria is acquiring new military equipment from Russia, according to remarks made during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Militarnyi reported.

Algeria, one of Africa’s largest military spenders alongside Egypt, confirmed in 2025 that it had agreed to purchase the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57E stealth fighter to replace ageing aircraft in its air force.

The deal, officially confirmed in February 2025, would make Algeria the first foreign customer for the aircraft.

Palladino said the United States could respond by invoking the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), legislation designed to discourage major defence purchases from Russia.

“We are working closely with the Algerian government on issues where we find common ground,” Palladino said. “At the same time, we have serious differences on many other topics, and this arms deal is one of the issues the United States considers problematic.”

He added that Washington was using existing diplomatic tools “to protect our interests and stop what we consider unacceptable.”

Strategic and regional context

Algeria has sharply increased defence spending in recent years, driven by instability across the Sahel, Libya, and the wider Mediterranean, as well as its ambition to assert greater regional influence, particularly amid perceptions of a US tilt towards Morocco.

Its armed forces operate one of the continent’s most sophisticated air forces, with a fleet that includes Su-30MKA multirole fighters, MiG-29s and advanced Russian-made air-defence systems such as the S-300.

Russia deepens defence ties in Africa

Russia has maintained close military ties with Algeria, supplying key equipment across the country’s air force, navy, and ground forces.

The Su-57 fighter jets are scheduled for delivery by the end of this year, with Algerian pilots already undergoing training in Russia, according to internal documents from the state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec, cited in media reports.

Each aircraft is to be equipped with the latest L-265VE “Khibiny-U” electronic warfare systems, including the corresponding command and control indicators, alongside orders placed with Russia’s Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies for onboard systems

Meanwhile, Business Insider Africa reported in 2025 that the documents also confirm Algeria’s order of 14 Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the country’s ongoing air force modernization.

Strategic balancing act

The potential sanctions threat highlights the delicate balancing act facing African military powers as they navigate relationships with competing global partners.

While Algeria maintains security cooperation with the United States on counterterrorism and regional stability, it has resisted pressure to reduce its long-standing defence relationship with Russia.

Washington has increasingly warned African governments that large-scale arms purchases from Moscow could trigger sanctions under CAATSA, a stance that has already complicated defence procurement decisions in several countries. (Business Insider Africa)

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