The United States, through its State Department, signaled on Tuesday that Washington could resort to imposing sanctions on Algeria if reports confirming the North African country’s acquisition of Russian fighter jets prove accurate. The statement comes amid recent media reports suggesting that Algeria has signed arms deals with Moscow to obtain advanced combat aircraft.
The remarks were made during a hearing held by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee dedicated to counterterrorism efforts in North Africa, attended by senior State Department officials, including Robert Palladino, a high-ranking official at the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.
Responding to a question from a senator regarding reports that Algeria had already purchased Russian fighter aircraft and was planning to acquire additional units, Palladino acknowledged that the State Department was aware of such reports and described the information as “concerning.”
Palladino stressed that the United States remains committed to enforcing the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), indicating that defense transactions of this nature could fall within cases that may lead to sanctions determinations. He added, however, that the matter is still under monitoring and evaluation, with no immediate executive measures announced.
The U.S. official also noted that Washington continues to work with the Algerian government in areas where common interests and cooperation exist, while recognizing that significant disagreements remain between the two sides, particularly regarding defense procurements from Russia.
He further explained that the United States engages with Algerian leadership using available diplomatic and political tools, often in private channels, with the aim of protecting U.S. interests and discouraging actions Washington considers unacceptable.
Several defense-focused reports published last year indicated that Algeria had become the first foreign customer for Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet after signing a contract with Moscow and initiating pilot training programs in Russia ahead of potential deliveries.
Other reports circulated images said to show Su-35 fighter aircraft bearing Algerian Air Force markings at a domestic air base, suggesting an expansion in Algeria’s acquisition of multi-role Russian combat jets, although neither Algiers nor Moscow has issued official confirmation.
These developments come amid broader discussions about Algeria’s efforts to modernize its air fleet through advanced Russian platforms, including the Su-30MKA, MiG-29, Su-35, and Su-57, reflecting the continued military partnership between Algeria and Russia.
The evolving defense ties between Algiers and Moscow have raised concerns in Washington, with analysts suggesting they could prompt increased diplomatic pressure or potential sanctions should the reported arms deals be formally confirmed.
