Russian Su-34 in Desert Camouflage — First Sale to Iran or Algeria?

The appearance of a Russian Su-34 fighter jet in an unfamiliar desert camouflage pattern has triggered speculation that the aircraft may be destined for export, possibly to Algeria or Iran.

The aircraft was spotted in a distinctive brown and yellow color scheme not previously seen in Russian Aerospace Forces inventory, prompting analysts to question whether this marks the beginning of foreign sales for the jet.

According to a May 19 report by Military Watch, the Su-34 in question likely represents a foreign order. The aircraft's paint job—well suited to desert environments—has been interpreted as a sign that it could have been produced for a foreign military operating in such climates.

Military Watch noted, “Combat aircraft of this class have not previously been exported, but since 2022, their production scale has more than doubled.”

Algeria has emerged as the most probable customer. A long-time Russian defense partner and the second-largest buyer of Russian arms after India, Algeria has previously expressed interest in replacing its 36 Su-24M bombers with newer strike platforms. Over the past decade, Algeria has acquired MiG-29M, Su-30MKA, and Su-35 fighters, and it is expected to begin receiving Su-57 jets later this year.

Some reports claim Algeria signed a deal in December 2019 for 14 aircraft, including Su-34 and Su-57 fighters.

While Iran is also viewed as a potential recipient, there has been no public confirmation of Tehran seeking Su-34s, despite its existing order of Su-35 fighters from Russia.

The possibility of other regional buyers—such as Syria and Sudan—has diminished. Syria’s air force ceased to exist following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024, while Sudan’s air fleet, though diminished by ongoing conflict, suffers from financial constraints.

The Su-34, one of the heaviest and longest-range fighter-bombers currently in production globally, has been widely used by Russia in Ukraine. It is capable of delivering large payloads over extended distances, including weapons such as the FAB-3000 glide bomb (3,000 kg) and the ODAB-500 thermobaric glide bomb (500 kg).

In a January 2024 report by The New York Times, Ukrainian soldiers described the effects of Su-34-launched glide bomb attacks as devastating. One serviceman said, “It sounds like a jet coming down on you… hell’s gates.”

Military Watch suggests that Algeria's decision may have been influenced by the Su-34’s combat record in Ukraine, where its heavy payloads have been used against fortified targets. Analysts believe the export package might also include specialized variants for electronic warfare or reconnaissance.

If confirmed, this would mark the first foreign sale of the Su-34, expanding Russia’s fighter-bomber export portfolio and potentially altering regional strike capabilities in North Africa or the Middle East.