During a February 3 Senate hearing on North African terrorism, State Department official Robert Palladino called media reports of Algeria’s Su-57E and Su-34 deals ‘concerning’ and warned they could trigger CAATSA sanctions against major Russian defense transactions.
Algeria confirmed its order in early 2025, with initial deliveries arriving in November and pilots training in Russia; more jets, including up to 14 Su-57s and 12 Su-34 bombers, are expected soon to modernize its aging air force amid regional tensions. Past U.S. threats over similar deals haven’t led to action, as the two nations cooperate on counterterrorism while diverging on arms sources.
The United States may impose sanctions on Algeria over its purchase of Russian Su-57 fighter jets intended to replace aging aircraft.
This was stated by Robert Palladino, head of the US State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, during a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Safir reported.
According to Palladino, reports that Algeria is acquiring military equipment from Russia are a concern for the US administration. Washington could block such deals by applying the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
“We are working closely with the Algerian government on issues where we find common ground. At the same time, we have serious differences on many other topics, and the arms deal is an example of what the United States considers problematic,” Palladino said.
He added that Washington is currently using existing diplomatic tools “to protect our interests and stop what we consider unacceptable.”
Su-57 deal
In 2025, Algeria confirmed the purchase of the latest fighter jets from Russia, becoming the first foreign customer for the aircraft.
Internal documents from the Rostec corporation also indicated plans to supply advanced fighter jets to Algeria. Deliveries are scheduled for the end of this year, and Algerian pilots are already undergoing training in Russia.
The Su-57 was developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau. The aircraft made its first flight in 2010, and the first batch entered service with the Russian military in 2020.
India had earlier considered purchasing the aircraft. However, New Delhi later insisted on localizing combat aircraft production on its own territory.
© 2026, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
