Algeria’s Su-57E fighter jet deal reportedly confirmed in Rostec leak

A series of newly leaked documents, allegedly originating from Russia’s state defense conglomerate Rostec, appears to confirm that Algeria has placed orders for both Su-57E fifth-generation fighters and Su-34 tactical bombers, shedding light on how Moscow continues to navigate export deals under international sanctions. 

Algeria poised to become first Su-57E export customer 

The data, published by the hacker collective Black Mirror, reportedly includes more than 300 files detailing Russia’s defense-industrial cooperation, pricing grids and financial workarounds to sustain exports. The documents refer to Algeria under the code ‘012’ and outline deliveries of 12 Su-57E Felon and 14 Su-34 Fullback aircraft between 2024 and 2026. 

Sanctions drive shift to alternative payment channels 

According to the leaked materials, Russian defense firms have struggled to process payments from multiple customers, including Algeria, Egypt, China and India, due to restrictions on access to SWIFT and Western banking guarantees. Rostec and its subsidiaries have explored settlements in yuan, rubles or euros, depending on partner availability, to maintain contract execution. 

This adds context to the long-rumored Algerian Su-57E acquisition, which has been circulating since at least 2019 but never officially confirmed. In February 2025, Algerian state television suggested an initial delivery of two Su-57E aircraft within the year, followed by up to eight additional jets. 

Building a parallel sustainment network abroad 

Beyond the aircraft orders, the documents describe an expanding network of Russian service centers abroad, including sites in the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Bulgaria and Kazakhstan, with a regional logistics hub planned near Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport. This structure seems to be designed to support spare-part flows and sustainment outside high-risk jurisdictions, which may be relevant for future Algerian fleets. 

The leaks also reference an officially approved list of “trusted commercial partners,” screened by Russia’s defense ministry and intelligence services to reduce re-export risks toward Ukraine. 

If verified, these documents would provide the strongest evidence yet that Algeria is set to become the first foreign operator of the Su-57E, complementing its existing Su-30MKA fleet and recent deliveries of Su-35 Flanker-E fighters. 

In August 2025, imagery of a Su-34 in desert camouflage near Novosibirsk further fueled speculation of an Algerian variant under assembly. 

Neither Moscow nor Algiers has publicly confirmed the contract. However, the combination of leaks and visible production activity suggests a program in motion. Beyond the Algerian order, these documents illustrate how Russia’s defense industry is adapting its export frameworks, logistics, and financing channels to maintain international sales despite sanctions.