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World Defense & Security News - Algeria
 
 
Russia confirms order from Algeria for 12 Su-34 fighter aircraft
 
Algeria has ordered a batch of 12 Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback fighter aircraft produced by the Russian aircraft manufacturer Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) to replace its ageing fleet of Soviet-era MiG-25s, which are long over-due for retirement from service, as part of an ongoing force modernization program.
     
Russia confirms order from Algeria for 12 Su 34 fighter aircraft 640 001A RuAF Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback strike fighter aircraft
     
In an interview published by Russian-language newspaper Vedomosti on New Year's Day, Sergey Smirnov, the director general of the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO), confirmed that the company, which produces the Sukhoi Su-34, received a formal request for the export version of the aircraft.

In the meantime, the Su-34's combat experience will allow NAPO to upgrade the warplane so that it could reach its full potential. "These modifications could include additional electronic warfare (EW), intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and other capabilities added via external pods," Smirnov said.

The Russian Armed Forces have received a total of 83 Su-34s, costing $36 million apiece, and are expected to ink a deal for the delivery of over 100 Su-34s in the next 2-3 years. At least eight warplanes are believed to be engaged in Moscow's counterterrorism operation in Syria.