Algeria Deploys Four Su-30 Fighters to Niger
Algeria deployed four Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft to Niger on 30 August 2026 on a support mission for the Nigerien Army following a request from the Nigerien authorities.
The deployment comprised two patrols of Su-30s, accompanied by a refuelling aircraft, which landed at Niamey Airport that morning.
Algeria’s Ministry of National Defence said the mission was carried out on the instructions of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defence, and ordered by General of the Army Saïd Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army.
The Ministry linked the deployment to recent events in Niamey which it described as an attempt to destabilise Niger, and said the aircraft had been sent to support the Nigerien Army in responding to the situation.
It also placed the operation within efforts to strengthen strategic cooperation between Algeria and Niger, particularly in the military domain, while reiterating Algeria’s support for Niger, its government and its people.
Nigerien Prime Minister Mahamane Lamine Zeine was present to receive the Algerian contingent and, according to the Ministry, expressed his gratitude to President Tebboune and the Algerian people for the support provided.
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