Algeria and Morocco Compete to Purchase, US and Russian Stealth Fighters May Gather in North Africa

According to Malaysia's "Asian Defense Security" website, Algeria has recently been confirmed to have equipped the Russian-made Su-57E, while its neighbor Morocco plans to introduce the American-made F-35. Foreign media reports that, as regional competitors, these moves may turn North Africa into a "battleground" for American and Russian stealth fighters.

Su-57 (left) and F-35. Image from Australia's "Defense Information" website

According to the U.S. magazine "National Interest," in early February, the first batch of Su-57E purchased by Algeria from Russia made its public debut through flight training.

The British website "Global Aerospace News" analyzed that this not only marks Algeria's entry into the world's "fifth-generation fighter club," but also makes it the first country in Africa to possess stealth fighter jets.

Meanwhile, according to the "Eye of Africa" website, another military power in North Africa, Morocco, has also been reported to be negotiating with the U.S. to expedite the procurement of 32 F-35 aircraft.

It is reported that this arms deal, valued at approximately $17 billion, will make Morocco the first African country to equip itself with American-made stealth fighters once finalized.

It is noteworthy that Morocco's move has received prior approval from Israel.

Foreign media state that to ensure the Israeli military's monopoly position of the F-35 in the Middle East, the U.S. often seeks and considers Israeli opinions when marketing weapons to countries in the region.

The London School of Economics website published an article stating that due to issues such as Western Sahara and border disputes, Morocco and Algeria have long-standing grievances.

In particular, in recent years, both countries have increased their defense investments, with a focus on building up their air forces.

Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that by 2025, Morocco's defense budget will reach approximately $13 billion, while Algeria's military spending will be twice that of Morocco.

Foreign media report that relying on the substantial income from oil and gas resources, Algeria launched a massive air force modernization program starting in 2006.

A report from the British think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies indicates that over the past 20 years, Algeria has successively introduced more than 200 various military aircraft, significantly enhancing the modernization level of its air force.

Currently, the main combat aircraft of the Algerian Air Force are all Russian-made, including 63 Su-30MKA, 35 MiG-29M, 9 Su-35, and 2 Su-57E, with at least 42 more advanced aircraft such as Su-57E and Su-34E awaiting delivery.

Most of these belong to internationally recognized fourth and fifth-generation fighters, and have demonstrated excellent tactical and technical performance in several recent regional conflicts.

According to the "North Africa Post," in stark contrast to Algeria, the Moroccan Air Force primarily uses American equipment, including 24 F-16s, 22 F-5 fighter jets, and 16 C-130 transport aircraft.

In August 2025, Morocco received 6 AH-64 American-made attack helicopters, and in the coming years, 24 F-16s and 36 AH-64s will be delivered successively.

In terms of scale, the South Korean magazine "Military Observer" states that the Algerian Air Force remains one of the most powerful air forces in the region. With the addition of the Su-57E, its advantageous position may become even more solidified.

However, this situation may be disrupted once Morocco equips itself with the F-35. Foreign media and Western think tanks generally believe that the future gathering of American and Russian-made stealth fighters in North Africa could profoundly impact and even reshape the regional security landscape.