HIBAPRESS – Chafiq Anouri
Leaked documents, the content of which was published by the Italian magazine "Panorama," revealed the growing military alliance between Russia, Iran, and Algeria.
The magazine reported that documents leaked from the Russian defense company "Rostec" revealed strategic arms agreements between Moscow, Tehran, and Algeria, including advanced fighter jets of the "Sukhoi 35" and "Sukhoi 57" models, in deals exceeding a total value of $600 million. The same source said that Iran will obtain 48 "Sukhoi 35" aircraft equipped with the latest electronic warfare systems, in a deal worth nearly 589 million euros, with deliveries scheduled to begin by 2028, while Algeria is believed to have concluded two separate contracts to acquire electronic equipment for "Sukhoi 34" and "Sukhoi 57" aircraft, with a total value of approximately $415 million. "Panorama" added that these developments confirm the growth of the military axis between the three countries, which intersect in their defense interests and tense stances with the West, noting that the leaks of the documents published by the Russian opposition platform "The Insider," confirm a clear trend for Moscow to expand its military exports towards partners not subject to Western sanctions. The magazine mentioned that Algeria seeks, through these deals, to enhance its air superiority in North Africa, to become the first country on the continent to possess fifth-generation fighters, which Rabat considers a direct threat to the regional balance of power, especially in light of the ongoing conflict over the Moroccan Sahara. "Panorama" warned that Iran's acquisition of advanced fighters capable of reaching the Mediterranean Sea would raise concerns for Israel and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, while Europe sees that the growing military cooperation between Moscow and Algeria threatens security in the Mediterranean region. The Italian magazine concluded its report by emphasizing that this "military triangle" between Russia, Iran, and Algeria, if officially confirmed, will form the nucleus of a new bloc parallel to the Western military system, and will consolidate the shift in the balance of power in the Middle East and North Africa.
