The armament geopolitics gives a new turn: a Russian combat plane Su-35 Flanker mwhich was allegedly destined to The Air Forces of Egypthas ended in Algeriathe main strategic rival of Morocco.
The information, collected by various specialized military blogs and backed by the prestigious International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)is based on Maxar Technologies satellite images that show a SU-35 parked at the Algerian Air Base of Ain Beida/Oum El Bouaghi.
Although there is no official confirmation by Algeria or Russia, everything indicates that this hunt for Fourth advanced generation It has changed hands in an operation that, at least, arouses suspicion and expands the shadow of tension in North Africa.
A deviation from Russia or a strategic detour?
According to available reports, the SU-35 was not part of the lot originally committed to Algeria. The Maghreb Country previously signed an agreement to acquire the most modern SU-57the Russian Fifth Generation hunting, with deliveries planned in a horizon not entirely clear.
Instead, the Su-35 that has appeared now It was part of an order made by Egypt in 2018for a total of 24 units. These aircraft were assembled in the plant Yuri Gagarin de Komsomolsk of Amurbut its delivery has been frozen, mainly due to United States Diplomatic Pressures About Cairo.
All this lot has remained stored for yearswhich has facilitated Russia to redirect part of the order to other clients … or strategic allies, depending on international circumstances.
Iran also enters the scene
Another possibility that is considered strong in military media is that the stored su-35 could also be destined to Iranan old Moscow ally in the Middle East. In fact, recent reports have indicated The possible arrival of Russian fighters to the Persian countryalthough No visual evidence verifiable by open sources have been presentedas in the Algerian case.
The detail is relevant: Algeria does have images that prove receptioneven if A single unitwhich can mark a equilibrium change in the region and tighten the already delicate relationship with Morocco.
Regional consequences
For Morocco, this movement is a matter of concern. The appearance of a SU-35 in Algeria represents a qualitative leap in air capacity of his traditional rival. This versatile hunting is considered One of the most powerful of Russian Arsenalwith technology that approaches the fifth generation standards, and with the ability to carry a wide range of air-Aire and Aire-Fetier missiles.
Algeria thus reinforces its position on the strategic board of the Maghreb, while Morocco close ties with western partners, including the United States and Israel, with which it seeks to reinforce its fleet with models such as the F-16V and, eventually, drones and precision missiles.