According to Russian site 'Kommersant' Russia and Algeria are holding closed negotiations on the purchase of a squadron of MiG-29 M/M2 jets. The 'M' version is a 'deep modernization' of the MiG-29 with a new radar, air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, composite materials and more fuel. Apparently the parties are discussing the sale of 14 new aircraft. Algeria is one of the largest buyers of Russian aviation technology and is seeking to replace its MiG-29 S acquired from Belarus and Ukraine. For the MiG corporation, any potential contract will not only make a few hundred million dollars in profit, but will also ensure that its production capacity is busy for several years ahead. The last attempt of Russia to enter the Algerian market with the MiG-29SMT was made in 2006, but the customer, having received the first 15 jets, returned the fighters to the manufacturer because of the presence of sub-standard parts.
Over the past ten years, the Algerian air force was updated with Su-30 MKA fighters (44 units were received under a contract from 2006, 14 - by agreement from 2015), Mi-26 T2 transport helicopters (14 units), training Yak-130 combat aircraft (16 machines). In addition, the Algerian military began to receive combat helicopters Mi-28 NE (42 units were contracted in 2013). According to the expert of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, Konstantin Makienko, Algeria’s procurement was promoted by the “NATO intervention in Libya”.. Any Algerian order for the MiG-29 M/M2, coupled with the ongoing supply of 46 such aircraft to Egypt, will allow RSK MiG to load its facilities for several years in advance stated one quoted by 'Kommersant'. “Against the background of the Russian military’s plans to purchase the MiG-35 ( in 2018–2023, 6 machines will be delivered to the troops) this order will be a good help for the corporation. ” In addition to the “MiG” products, Algeria is also looking at other aircraft technology: in particular, the Su-32 bomber and the Su-35 multipurpose heavy fighter. In February 2016, the Su-35S, assigned to the 159th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment of the 105th Mixed Aviation Division of the 6th Army Air Force and Air Defense of the Western Military District, flew to the Algerian proving ground Tamanrasset for demonstration flights. However no contract was forthcoming.
