Algeria likely to sign deal with Russia to buy Su-34 jets by end of year

The Algerian Ministry of National Defence and the Russian aircraft manufacturer Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) are likely to sign a deal for the sale of twelve advanced Sukhoi-34 fighter jets before the end of the year.

Russian news agency TASS reported a Russian diplomatic and military source as saying that talks between Algeria and Russia regarding the deal have reached advanced stages.

The source said the deal is likely to be signed in mid-2016 or by the end of the year at the latest.

Algeria and Russia began talks over the sale of the 12 fighter jets in November last year. Russian media reports have suggested that the deal could expand to include 40 fighter jets.