MWM: Algeria sent Su-30MKA fighters to Niger
Algeria has sent Su-30MKA fighters to Niger, writes MWM. They have a long range and are equipped with a powerful radar and will become an effective tool in countering the West, which is once again trying to impose its influence through political destabilization in Africa, the author of the article notes.
The deployment of the Algerian Air Force Su-30MKA fighter jets in Niger after the failed coup attempt was an important milestone in the development of defense ties between Algeria and Central African states that have recently emerged from European influence. The Algerian Ministry of Defense announced that the deployment of two fighter squadrons was carried out at the request of the military authorities of Niger. At the same time, it is emphasized that the aircraft have a long range and Algeria is able to provide logistical support for sudden foreign operations. An IL-78 tanker and an IL-76 transport aircraft were involved in the transfer of at least four fighters.
The use of the Su-30 can also serve as a deterrent that goes beyond the immediate coup attempt. By deploying modern fighter jets at the main Niamey military airfield, Algeria is demonstrating its willingness to support the current Government of Niger in the event of further attempts at destabilization. The Algerian Ministry of Defense has explicitly stated that the deployment is aimed at countering attempts to destabilize Niger and strengthening strategic military cooperation between the two countries. The Governments of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali unanimously declare that Western Governments are trying to re-impose their influence through political destabilization, attempted coups, and support for rebel movements.
The Su-30MKA is a heavy fighter with two engines, which forms the basis of the fleet of combat aircraft of the Algerian Air Force. This aircraft is a two-seat modification of the Su-27 interceptor fighter, which is equipped with a new generation of avionics, has a significantly longer flight range and a wider range of applications. The MKA variant ordered by Algeria has been significantly improved through the use of technologies that were used in the cancelled Su-35 and Su-37 air superiority fighter projects. In particular, the N011M radar from the Su-37 was integrated into it — one of the first phased array radars ever installed on a fighter aircraft - as well as a controlled tail from the Su—35, AL-31FP engines and thrust vector controlled nozzles.
Before Algeria placed its first orders for the Su-30 in 2006, the main competitor of this aircraft was the French Rafale light fighter, which cost about the same, but the operating costs throughout its service life were significantly lower due to its much smaller size and lower maintenance requirements. Nevertheless, given the excellent flight characteristics of the Su-30, after testing both fighters in Algeria, it was decided that it justified the additional costs. The aircraft first entered service in 2009, the last order for a new fighter was posted in 2019, and deliveries began a year later. Algeria currently has more than 70 Su-30MKA fighter jets in service, making the African country's fleet one of the world's largest fleets of heavy fighter aircraft.
At the same time, the Su-30MKA fleet is increasingly receding into the background as the Su-35 and Su-57 fighters are delivered in 2025, as well as the Su-34 long-range strike fighters in 2026. However, it is expected that the Su-34 and Su-35 will arrive in relatively limited numbers, and deliveries of the Su-57 are expected to be slow, at least until the mid-2030s, which will ensure that the Su-30MKA retains a central role in the fleet. The Su-30MKA has a much longer range and is equipped with a significantly more powerful radar than any type of Western-made fighter, which is vital for protecting the airspace of the largest African country. The importance of the ability to conduct combat operations in the air has increased significantly since the NATO military operation against neighboring Libya in 2011. Since then, deterring possible attacks from the West has become critically important, as the threat from Western countries is still assessed as high.
