Algerian Air Force

The Algerian Air Force is designed to safeguard the country's airspace, contribute to internal and regional stability, and deter potential aggressors. Equipped with a mix of Russian, Chinese, and Western aircraft, its capabilities are considerably more advanced compared to many other African nations. The force primarily consists of fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and transport planes, among other assets.

One of its strong suits is its fleet of Russian-made fighter jets, like the Sukhoi Su-30 and MiG-29, which serve as the backbone of its air defense. These aircraft are potent in air-to-air combat and can also deliver precision-guided munitions for ground attacks. The air force also has a considerable number of transport aircraft, useful for troop movement, logistical support, and humanitarian missions.

However, the Algerian Air Force suffers from a reliance on foreign suppliers for hardware and maintenance, that exposes it to geopolitical vulnerabilities. For instance, an over-dependence on Russian equipment could limit its operational capabilities in case of strained diplomatic relations. Additionally, the force has been historically less invested in compared to the country's ground forces, which could hamper its effectiveness in integrated military operations.

Key facts

Official Name	Algerian Air Force
Local Name	القوات الجوية الجزائرية (Al Quwwāt al Jawwiya al Jazāʾriya)
Country	🇩🇿 Algeria
World rank	#21
Active aircrafts	547 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	53
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	273
Combat aircrafts	112
Training	87
Transport	60
Special missions	10
Tankers	5

Aircrafts most used by Algerian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
Mi-8 Hip	138	Soviet multipurpose helicopter, prevalent during the Cold War, extensively utilized for transport, combat and humanitarian operations globally.
Su-30 Flanker-C	57	Russian multirole fighter, renowned for deployments since the 1990s, widely used in diverse combat operations worldwide.
L-39 Albatros	55	Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles.
Mi-24 Hind	33	Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles.
MiG-29 Fulcrum	33	Soviet twin-engine fighter jet, notable in late Cold War clashes, widely exported and integral to various aerial engagements globally.
King Air 90	24	American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
Mi-2 Hoplite	22	Soviet light utility helicopter, broadly deployed in Eastern Europe, renowned for agricultural, rescue and military tasks since the 1960s.
Su-24 Fencer	22	Soviet strike/bomber, distinctively recognized in Afghanistan conflicts during the Cold War, extensively served in post-Soviet states and naval aviation.
Mi-28 Havoc	17	Russian attack helicopter, noted for operations in Chechnya, Syria, and Iraq, purposed for anti-armor, anti-aircraft, and combat roles.
C-130 Hercules	16	American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.

Full inventory in 2024