Summary:

On 3 February 2026, the United States formally warned Algeria that it could face sanctions under US law over its purchase of Russian-made Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jets in a potential setback for recently thawing relations.  

The warning was delivered by Robert Palladino, head of the US State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, where he stated that the deal could trigger measures under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).  

Algeria confirmed the Su-57E purchase in 2025, becoming the first foreign buyer of the aircraft, which is intended to support the modernization of the Algerian Air Force. US officials linked the warning to concerns over transactions involving Russia’s defense sector, as Washington continues to monitor the spread of advanced Russian military equipment in Africa and the Middle East. 

Outlook: 

While the warning appears largely symbolic and advisory and does not seem intended to escalate diplomatic tensions between Algiers and Washington, it can be viewed as a signaling measure by the US to convey concerns to certain regional partners regarding defense procurement decisions. In this sense, the warning functions primarily as a political signal rather than an immediate enforcement action. 

While Algeria has not publicly responded to these claims and reports, it continues to proceed with the planned deliveries. This reflects the country’s ongoing defense procurement strategy and reinforces its foreign policy commitments to eastern partners, including Russia and China, despite the US message. 

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