Algeria has reportedly become the first African nation to express serious interest in acquiring Russia’s advanced Su-57 stealth fighter jets, signaling a potential escalation in the ongoing arms race with its neighbor, Morocco. While Russia’s arms export agency, Rosoboronexport, has confirmed that an international client has ordered the jets, the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed. However, multiple reports from Algerian media strongly suggest that the North African nation has placed an order for 14 Su-57s.

This development comes as Algeria continues to bolster its military capabilities in response to increasing tensions with Morocco. The two nations remain at odds over the Western Sahara dispute, a decades-long territorial conflict. Algeria has traditionally aligned itself with Russia for military acquisitions, while Morocco has strengthened its ties with the West and NATO.

In parallel, Morocco has recently expanded its defense agreements with the United States. Rabat has placed significant orders for F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems), and Javelin missiles, further intensifying the military buildup between the two countries.

This arms race underscores the broader geopolitical shifts in the region, with Algeria and Morocco seeking advanced weaponry amid strained relations and diverging alliances. Experts warn that the escalating military procurement by both nations risks deepening tensions and complicating efforts to resolve long-standing disputes diplomatically.

The Western Sahara issue remains at the heart of this rivalry, with Morocco’s claim over the region opposed by Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front—a group advocating for Sahrawi independence. The acquisition of cutting-edge military technology by both nations highlights the growing importance of power projection in this unresolved conflict.