Algeria will become the first foreign operator of fourth-generation Su-34 fighter-bombers. The first footage of the aircraft, already painted in the livery of the African country's Air Force, has appeared online.
The aircraft was manufactured at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant (part of the United Aircraft Corporation, UAC), tail number 703.
According to open sources, Algeria signed a preliminary agreement to purchase these aircraft back in early 2016, and concluded a contract in 2019. However, the first combat vehicles for the customer, apparently, have only now been manufactured.
The Su-34M was developed with elements of stealth - the ability to use terrain for this purpose. In fact, the Su-34M has the same low-observability qualities as the F-35. But for less money.
The export cost of the Su-34M is estimated to be up to $50 million. For comparison, the price of the American fifth-generation F-35 fighter is from $120 to $200 million.
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