An export-configured Su-34M fighter-bomber, painted in a distinctive camouflage pattern, has been spotted at Zhukovsky Airport outside Moscow, fueling speculation that Russia is preparing its first Su-34M deliveries to Algeria.
The sighting, which surfaced earlier this week, points to potential progress on long-pending defense export contracts between Russia and Algeria.
Back in December 2019, Algerian defense publications reported the signing of multiple agreements with Moscow for a combined total of 42 aircraft, including 14 Su-34MEs, 14 Su-57Es, and 14 Su-35Es. At the time, deliveries were reportedly scheduled for completion by 2025.
However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and resulting operational strain on its air force appear to have delayed the program. Due to wartime losses and domestic demand, Russia has prioritized replenishing its own Su-34 inventory, pushing export timelines further out.
According to the open-source intelligence group Oryx, Russia has lost at least 37 Su-34s and one Su-34M since the start of its full-scale war against Ukraine. That figure includes only visually confirmed losses and may understate the true number of aircraft destroyed.
The Su-34ME is an advanced derivative of the twin-seat strike aircraft, originally developed for deep precision strikes, battlefield interdiction, and maritime attack missions.
In its export configuration, the Su-34ME is expected to retain the platform’s core capabilities, including terrain-following radar, side-looking radar arrays, and a multi-mode targeting system designed for use against both land and naval targets. The aircraft is also designed to carry a wide range of Russian air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons.