The United States may impose sanctions against Algeria over the purchase of Russian fifth-generation Su-57E fighter jets. This was stated by Robert Palladino, head of the State Department bureau for Middle Eastern affairs.
According to him, media reports about the acquisition of the aircraft "cause concern" within the American administration.
The State Department is committed to enforcing the law \"Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act\" and this may lead to such a decision.
The official emphasized that the United States will "closely monitor" this issue. He added that he is ready to discuss the topic of sanctions with senators.
The United States, Palladino claims, "works closely" with the authorities of the African country on issues that do not cause disagreements. However, in Washington the purchase of Russian fighter jets is considered a "problem." To resolve it, the American authorities may use diplomatic leverage over Algeria, Palladino concluded.
Algeria and Russia have long-standing military-technical cooperation ties. The Algerian Air Force also operates Russian Su-30MKA, Su-24M/MK and MiG-29S/UB aircraft.
Algerian media reported a year ago on the purchase of Su-57E, but there was no official confirmation of this information. Rosoboroneksport spoke of the first foreign contract for the latest fifth-generation aircraft, but did not name the buyer country.
Read more materials on the topic:
- Military Watch Magazine explained how a small fleet of Su-57 aircraft will enhance the capabilities of the Algerian Air Force
- Su-57 fighter jets were sent to Algeria, with the DPRK and Su-34E next in line
- Aviation expert Gusarov: \"The Su-57 aerobatics are simply fantastic; no one in the world has shown anything like it\"