Algeria to Arm Sudan with MiG-29s: What This Means for Regional Security

Some sources indicate that Algeria will likely transfer some of its old MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Sudan. This could change the balance of power in the East African region and proceeds to explain how Algeria is seeking to exert itself.

• In 1999, Russia and Belarus sold 31 MiG-29 fighters to Algeria.
• Sudan already has MiG-29s as its primary fighter aircraft, it also has a Chinese airliner.
• Sudan has been volatile since the 2019 coup that overthrew President Omar Al Bashir.
• Now there is tension between the army and a militia group known as the Rapid Intervention Forces in Sudan.

Why is This Important?

1. Regional Influence: Algeria is attempting to acquire more influence in the African region particularly in regions in which Europe has little influence.

2. Allies and Enemies: Algeria is friends with Iran and they support Sudan’s military. In return, Algeria said the United Arab Emirates supported anti-Algeria groups in West Africa.

3. Military Balance: Surrendering means that the Sudanese Air Force could become a far more potent force, it could change the character of the struggle.

Algeria’s Air Force

• Algeria has been modernizing its air force over the last few years.
• They now have opted for the more capable Su-30MKA fighter.
• Algeria got 14 newer MiG-29M fighters and 16 more Su-30MKAs recently.
• This left them with more older MiG-29s they could afford to donate to others.

Comparing Fighters

• MiG-29: They were smaller in size, less maneuverable, and had a shorter range than current spare rocket motors.
• Su-30MKA: Larger, longer-ranged and more effective
• Algeria’s air force is ranked as the most powerful in the entire Muslim world.

Future of Algeria

• The country may acquire even higher models of Su-57 in the future.
• This might even give a boost to the Algerian presence in Africa.
• That the Algerian government potentially plans to gift Sudan MiG-29s reveals how it is employing the military for influence.

International Reactions

• Some countries fear that it might worsen the conflict in the Sudan by arming it.
• The U.S. is worried about a rising Iran threat in the region.
• This act of Algeria could have implications for the peace process in Sudan.

Algeria is gradually increasing its influence in Africa and its decisions, including providing military assistance to Sudan, will attract the attention of other states in the continent and of the world.