The Algerian regime risks American sanctions for purchasing Russian military jets (SU35 and SU 57) under CAATSA law passed by the US Congress in 2017. The Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act imposes sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
The Algerian acquisition of Russian military jets “could trigger CAATSA sanctions”, said on Tuesday Mr. Robert Palladino, Senior Bureau Official at State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA).
He made the remarks during Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on “Countering Terrorism in North Africa: Opportunities and Challenges” , affirming that the Department of State is committed to enforcing CAATSA sanctions.
When asked what measures the U.S. administration is taking to discourage Algeria from purchasing Russian-made military equipment, Mr. Palladino
said: “We work closely with the government in Algeria on issues where we find common ground. We certainly don’t agree on many things, and this would be an example where the United States would have a problem.”
In February 2025, Algeria confirmed the purchase of Russia’s Su-57E fighter jets, becoming the first buyer of this type of aircraft. The Algerian Air Force has other Russian-made fighter jets in service as well.
As the U.S. Congress is pushing for strict enforcement of the CAATSA Act, Algerian junta is exposing their country to serious financial, military, and diplomatic sanctions.
Before becoming secretary of State Marco Rubio had called for sanctions against the tyrannical Algerian regime. In 2022, Senator Rubio had sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling on U.S. government to impose sanctions against Algeria, one of the top global purchasers of military equipment from the Russian Federation.
In his letter, the former Vice-Chairman of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence voiced great concern regarding the ongoing defense procurement between Algeria and Russia.
“Russia is Algeria’s largest military supplier. Algeria is also among the top four purchasers of Russian arms worldwide, culminating with a $7 billion arms deal in 2021. Influx of money from any source to Russia will only further enable Russia’s war machine in Ukraine. Yet, sanctions available to you have not yet been utilized”, had said the Senator backed by several congressmen pushing for sanctions.
To avoid these sanctions and international isolation, the Trump Administration is intensifying pressure on the Algerian regime to cease purchase of Russian weapons, normalise relations with Morocco and comply with UN Security Council resolution 2797 endorsing Autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty.
